Prioritizing Mental Health:

Strategies for Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

By: Laura Beth Cooper, Ph.D. Owner & Psychologist, Connections Counseling & Psychological Services

Inrecent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace. As a result, managers and employers have started to recognize that they have a role to play in protecting the mental health of their employees. This is not only an ethical obligation but also a practical one, as employees who are struggling with mental health issues are less productive, less engaged, and more likely to take time off work. Furthermore, workplace stress and burnout can have a negative impact on an employee's overall wellbeing and may even lead to long-term mental health problems. Therefore, it is crucial for managers to take proactive steps to create a supportive and healthy work environment that prioritizes the mental health of their employees. By doing so, they can not only improve the wellbeing of their workforce but also enhance productivity and profitability in the long run. Here are some steps any employer can take to begin making a positive impact on employees’ mental health.

Employers can improve mental health in the workplace by creating a culture of engagement. Psychologist Harry Stack Sullivan theorized that your mental health is related to the quality of your interpersonal relationships. It is common to spend more hours with our coworkers than our own families, therefore it is important to cultivate healthy relationships in the workplace. This can be achieved when leaders and managers foster open communication, encourage feedback and collaboration, and promote a sense of purpose and belonging. When employees feel engaged and connected to their work and colleagues, they are more likely to experience positive emotions, higher job satisfaction, and a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment. This, in turn, can lead to improved mental health and well-being. Employers who prioritize engagement and create a supportive and inclusive work culture can reap the benefits of a more productive, motivated, and mentally healthy workforce.

Employers can improve mental health in the workplace by checking in with their employees' level of burnout. This can be achieved by regularly monitoring employee workload, providing opportunities for rest and recovery, and encouraging employees to take time off when needed. Employers who prioritize burnout prevention and create a culture of self-care and worklife balance can reduce the risk of burnout and related mental health issues. Additionally, by showing concern and support for their employees' mental health, employers can build trust, loyalty, and commitment among their workforce, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. At Connections, I check in with my staff weekly to ask them about their level of burnout and offer support for those who are reporting high levels of burnout. In addition to the benefits above, it also serves as a reminder to my employees that I want them to be happy and healthy.

Finally, employers can improve mental health in the workplace by modeling a good work-life balance. We are more productive when we are well rested and have had some time away from the office. This is true for employers and employees alike. Employers can model a healthy work-life balance by setting realistic expectations for work hours, encouraging employees to take breaks and time off, and promoting flexible work arrangements. Employers who prioritize their own work-life balance and demonstrate a commitment to their employees' mental health can create a culture of well-being that promotes employee satisfaction and retention. Additionally, by modeling healthy work habits, employers can reduce stress and burnout in their workforce and foster a more positive and productive work environment.