Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Year-Round Commitment

It's no secret that mental health issues are on the rise, and it's time for us to take action. In today's workplace, the conversation around mental health shouldn't be limited to just one month of the year—it's a discussion that needs to happen year-round.

From overwhelming workloads to a pervasive workaholic culture, the factors contributing to mental health challenges are multifaceted. According to a survey by Spring Health, a staggering 76% of American workers have experienced signs of burnout. The financial impact is substantial too, with the Harvard Business Review estimating annual healthcare costs between $125-$190 billion.

Many workplace factors can exacerbate mental health conditions, including poor communication with managers, work overload, lack of career advancement opportunities, and a sense of disconnection from colleagues. These issues often go unnoticed until they reach a critical point, but proactive leadership can make a difference by addressing these factors head-on.

Recognizing the warning signs is crucial. If you notice team members disengaging, withdrawing socially, or struggling to find joy in their work, it's time to start a conversation. While these symptoms may not always indicate burnout or mental health issues, they signal a need for support and understanding.

Follow the ON Point Action Plan—a guide for leaders to promote mental health in the workplace. By implementing proactive strategies and fostering a supportive environment, we can ensure that mental health remains a priority throughout the year.

Join us in making mental health a year-round commitment. Together, we can create healthier, happier workplaces for everyone.

7 Ways Leaders Can Help with Mental Health 

1. Lead with Empathy – understand that there is a backstory to every story & be aware of jumping to conclusions & making assumptions

2. Be Human – share your experiences of struggle, challenge, failure, resilience & learned lessons to create connection & relatability

3. Model Healthy Behaviors – if you unplug on weekends or PTO, make exercise a priority & never miss your child’s birthday, they will follow suit

4. Over Communicate – schedule frequent check-ins, share information, be transparent & make your 1:1s sacred time

5. Listen & Learn – ask your people how they are doing holistically, listen for the real response & also learn from what’s not being said

6. Care & Customize – be as flexible as possible including schedules & creating career paths that align with their goals & aspirations

7. Praise & Recognize – can never praise, acknowledge, recognize, reward, celebrate, express gratitude & appreciation enough; do more