The conversation around mental health has changed a lot over the last few years. In the last year in particular, the importance of talking about mental health in the workplace has become especially apparent. After all, when you spend 40 hours or more doing something week after week, it’s bound to affect your mental health.
As an employer, supporting the mental health of your employees is crucial for creating a work environment that fosters productivity, happiness, and success. Here are a few ways you can show your team that their mental wellbeing is a priority to you and the company!
Check in with your team regularly.
Mental health is something that often fluctuates from day to day. A quick check-in with employees once every six months just doesn’t cut it anymore. You should be scheduling regular one-on-one meetings with everyone in which you ask specific questions, listen openly, and encourage employees to ask questions and share concerns.
Provide mental health training.
One of the best ways to support your employees’ mental health is to be proactive about it, not just reactive. Educate managers and team leaders about recognizing the signs of mental distress in their department members and what to do if someone needs help. For the entire company, hold an annual seminar or biannual, quarterly, or monthly training sessions about evaluating their own mental health, self-care, and resources that are available to help them.
Review your workplace policies.
Take a look at the company policies you currently have in place and evaluate whether they leave room for employees to tend to their mental health. If they don’t, make changes accordingly. Policies and practices that help support mental health might include an employee assistance program (EAP), providing a list of in-network and free mental health resources, encouraging work-life balance (flexible hours, time off), and promoting a positive social culture.
Go the extra mile to show employees you value them.
It’s no secret that employees are happier and more motivated when they feel like a valued part of the company. Make sure your team knows that you see them working hard and that the work they’re doing matters. In addition to recognition, consider offering an employee incentive program to reward their drive and dedication with something unique, like an individual or group travel experience.
At HPM Associates, we help you go the extra mile for your employees by going the extra mile for you. From annual conferences to training meetings to once-in-a-lifetime incentive travel programs, our professional group travel experts can help you plan and execute a wide range of events designed to support employee mental health.
Contact us today to learn more about the full scope of our corporate travel and planning services!