How Employers can Support Employee Mental Health in the Workplace
A new way of work emerged during the pandemic and quickly different generations had to adjust to this new normal. Unfortunately, rates of burnout, anxiety and depression skyrocketed and have remained high amongst Americans in 2023. However, now more than ever mental health is becoming a mainstream topic of discussion and employees are looking to their employers for support with their mental wellbeing.
Prior to the pandemic, mental health initiatives and benefits may not have been top of mind for employers but in a post-pandemic world, providing a supportive work environment for employees is crucial for attracting new talent and retention.
Below we’ve outlined some of the top ways companies can support employee wellbeing and mental health as well as what we’re doing at Monday to empower our employees to feel their best.
Encourage work-life balance
Encouraging work-life balance is crucial for promoting employee mental health. Companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work or flexible schedules, to help employees manage their workload and personal responsibilities. Additionally, companies can encourage employees to take breaks, prioritize self-care, and disconnect from work during non-work hours. At Monday Talent we believe in setting boundaries around work hours and encourage no emailing past work hours and a “do not disturb” policy while others are on vacation. We also have a 4.5 day work week so that our employees can feel rested and avoid burnout.
Foster a sense of community and belonging:
Companies can create opportunities for employees to connect, such as team-building events, social activities, or community service projects. Additionally, companies can encourage employees to participate in workplace wellness programs, such as fitness challenges or meditation classes. At Monday Talent our work social calendars are just as important (if not more!) as our regular calendar. From a wellness club to movie and book clubs we have opportunities for employees to connect with one another and build a rapport that isn’t centered around work.
Offer mental health benefits:
Having mental health benefits included in employee packages is just as important as physical health benefits. Some ways in which employers can include mental health benefits are:
Designated meditation time
Free or discounted access to meditation and online counseling services
Insurance plans with a mental health component (therapy isn’t cheap!)
Some additional benefits that we offer at Monday Talent include, weekly meditation with a specialist and sabbatical leave after 5 years of employment and a partnership with Juno, a flexible wellness benefits program. Understanding that going the extra mile when it comes to benefits and perks is becoming top of mind for employee retention and attracting talent.
