May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The CDC estimates depression can cause 200 million lost workdays each year at the cost of $17 billion to $44 billion to employers.
Employers who create a culture that recognizes and supports mental health can decrease healthcare costs, increase productivity, and reduce turnover.
According to an article in Forbes, “A recent survey of 256 companies by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions found that, since last February, 53% of employers have begun providing specific emotional and mental health programs for their workforce. These programs include free access to various health and wellness applications, video sessions with mental health counselors, and stipends for psychological or physical health-related services.”
Poor mental health can affect an employee’s engagement with work, communication with co-workers, productivity, and attendance.
There are several ways employers can address mental health in the workplace:
- Foster open dialogue about mental health
- Encourage employees to use sick time as needed for a mental health day
- Provide, and remind employees about resources available to them
- Set up platforms such as a Slack channel for employees to communicate with one another about mental health issues
- Invest in technology that can help employees and teams to self-assess and track progress
Normalizing mental health and creating a culture that prioritizes mental health for its employees improves morale and drives productivity resulting in a stronger workforce.
Contact us today to learn more about Truvelop's modern approach to performance management and development and the many benefits for employees including supporting a transparent, development focused, coaching culture.
