7 Best Practices for Integrating Mental Health Support into Employee Wellness Programs
To provide the best practices for integrating mental health support into employee wellness programs, we’ve gathered seven insightful answers from professionals, including an Employee Wellness Program Manager and a CEO. From supporting physical exercise to providing diverse mental well-being resources, these experts share their top strategies for fostering a mentally healthy work environment.
- Support Physical Exercise
- Integrate Mindfulness and Emotional-Intelligence Training
- Foster Open Communication
- Promote Work-Life Balance Through Senior Staff
- Normalize Dialogue About Mental Health
- Offer Regular Confidential Counseling Services
- Provide Diverse Mental Well-being Resources
Support Physical Exercise
We have to remember that physical exercise continues to be the first line of defense for mental health. Yes, a few may also need additional support, but physical activity is still number one. Support it and make it fun in the workplace. Exercise increases blood circulation to the whole body, including the brain. It helps us relax, creates camaraderie, and we sleep better!
Cynthia Chico
Employee Wellness Program Manager, Denver Public Schools
Integrate Mindfulness and Emotional-Intelligence Training
One practice I’ve found particularly effective is the integration of mindfulness and emotional-intelligence training.
Drawing from my background in psychology and personal development, I’ve observed that when employees are taught to be more present, to understand and manage their emotions, and to cultivate empathy, it not only boosts their mental state but also fosters a more harmonious work environment.
For instance, when I worked with a company to improve employee wellness, I introduced a daily 10-minute mindfulness-breathing meditation break, which led to stronger team collaboration and dynamics while reducing their overall stress levels. It all comes down to proactively building resilience and emotional well-being within your organization.
Bayu Prihandito
Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
Foster Open Communication
With best practices for mental health in the workplace, fostering an open and inclusive environment where communication is encouraged can significantly contribute to employee well-being.
One best practice is to offer a variety of resources that support mental health, such as counseling services, workshops, and educational materials, to cater to different needs among employees. It’s also important to ensure confidentiality and privacy for employees seeking mental health support, creating a safe space for them to open up without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Tarin Calmeyer
Founder and Wellness Event Producer, Remote Team Wellness
Promote Work-Life Balance Through Senior Staff
Integrating mental health support into employee wellness programs is crucial for promoting a healthy and productive work environment. A best practice for integration is to have managers or senior-level staff promote work-life balance.
Senior staff should regularly check in with their team members to discuss workload, stress levels, and overall well-being. This type of communication fosters a supportive work relationship and provides an opportunity to address concerns early on.
Senior staff should also encourage employees to take breaks, use vacation time, and disconnect outside of work hours. Senior staff should also hold their peers accountable in the same way.
Rachel Marmor
Chief Wellness and Resilience Officer, Purpose Built Families Foundation
Normalize Dialogue About Mental Health
Creating a workplace that promotes open dialogue about mental health/illness limits stigma, combats stigma, and reinforces the idea that seeking support is normal and beneficial.
Simply offering a wellness program isn’t enough to ensure that employees make the best use of it to maximize their well-being. Organizations, and their leaders, must normalize and promote accessing mental health support and prioritizing overall wellness.
This can include initiatives such as training sessions about mental health and well-being, regular check-ins with managers or counselors, and leaders demonstrating how they prioritize their own well-being in a way that is accessible to the employees.
These practices reduce the stigma of expressing needs and seeking help, which not only promotes employee well-being, but also fosters higher rates of employee retention and satisfaction. Options for anonymous channels of communication may also help provide chances for those who still feel uncertain about speaking up.
Brittany Hunt
Therapist, Clinic Les Alpes
Offer Regular Confidential Counseling Services
One best practice for integrating mental health support into employee wellness programs is to offer regular, confidential counseling services. Ensure that employees have access to licensed mental health professionals, either on-site or through telehealth platforms.
This not only provides a direct avenue for support but also normalizes seeking help, reducing the stigma around mental health discussions in the workplace. Regular check-ins and reminders about these available services can encourage utilization and promote a culture of holistic well-being.
Jacob Maslow
Owner, Rest Equation
Provide Diverse Mental Well-being Resources
One best practice for integrating mental health support into employee wellness programs is to offer a range of resources and initiatives that prioritize mental well-being.
An effective approach is to collaborate with mental health professionals and organizations to provide educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and building resilience. These sessions can empower employees with tools to better navigate challenges and maintain their mental health.
Additionally, incorporating mental health into wellness programs can involve offering confidential counseling services or access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), where employees can seek professional help when needed. Creating a stigma-free environment is crucial, and leadership should openly communicate the importance of mental health and encourage employees to take advantage of available resources.
Sai Blackbyrn
CEO, Coach Foundation
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