fbpx
Select Page

Our Associate Partner Members at BENECO sent out an important announcement today- I am sharing with you here.

The health and well being of our employees should matter to us all; it’s easy to notice and be concerned for someone being treated for a virus or broken limb. Not so easy is stopping to consider the impact on both the individual and business when the employee is affected by a mental health issue.

From BENECO’s announcement:

“In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, here are a few numbers you should know:

  • 60 million: the number of people in the United States affected by symptoms of mental illness
  • 217 million: the number of lost workdays each year due to mental health issues
  • 225.8 billion: the number of dollars employers like yourself lose every year due to the un-managed mental health of your employees

By addressing and investing in the mental health of your employees, you can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism in the workplace.

Here are 3 easy ways to start:

1. Open Dialogue and Trust

According to a recent study by Peldon Rose, 72% of employees want to work for employers who champion their mental health and wellbeing. To become one of these champions, make it clear to your employees that you support their efforts to take care of their minds, including taking off work for mental health days and flexible work schedules so they can attend therapy appointments. Workplaces that foster an open dialogue and build trust around mental health are likely to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.  

2. Promote Work-Life Balance

Encourage your workers to develop a fulfilling life outside of the office. People who spend time taking care of themselves, whether it be spending time with loved ones or engaging in a hobby, are more satisfied with their job and experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. A good place to start is offering vacation pay to your employees. Time off to unplug will help your employees recharge, making them more productive in the long run. 

3. Workplace Services and Events

Considering your employees spend most of their time in the office, it’s important to create a work environment that aids them on their journey to good mental health. That’s where services and events come in. You could offer trainings on stress management, or hire a mental health counselor to deliver workshops on best practices and strategies. Even simple de-stressing events, like a monthly pizza party, can go a long way towards helping your employees achieve a healthy state of well-being! “

Good health- in every aspect- goes straight to productivity. Let’s create environments where people want to work, enjoy work, and feel safe working. Win-Win.

If you’re in need of discussing a strategy for your workplace, you might want to talk to our friends at BENECO- Always Building.

Grant Shmelzer
Executive Director, IEC Chesapeake/IECC
#mentalhealthawarenessmonthiseverymonth