Mental Health Support: Creating A Safe And Nurturing Space For Employees

Five practices for mental health support in the workplace

By Brett Farmiloe, Featured

In this article, we delve into the strategies and best practices employed by HR (human resources) leaders and CEOs to prioritize mental health and well-being in the workplace. From promoting well-being through flexibility and autonomy to implementing wellness programs and open communication, we present five insightful responses that shed light on the resources and support systems established to create a safe and nurturing space for employees.

● Promote Well-Being Through Flexibility and Autonomy

● Provide Free Behavioral Health Sessions

● Combine a Four-Day Workweek with an EAP

● Create Safe Spaces and Collaborative Solutions

● Implement Wellness Programs and Open Communication

Promote Well-Being Through Flexibility and Autonomy

At Elai, our commitment to prioritizing mental health and well-being in the workplace is deeply embedded in our organizational culture. We firmly believe that fostering a safe and nurturing space for our employees is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage.

Hanna Borysenko, HR Director, Elai Inc.

Two of the most significant pillars of our approach are our advocacy for a no-micromanagement policy and the implementation of flexible work arrangements. By doing so, we empower our employees with the time and space to innovate and explore new ideas. This approach not only enhances their mental well-being but also contributes to our company's growth and competitiveness.

During the hiring process, we make it clear to candidates that our primary focus is on achieving results. Consequently, both Elai and our employees experience high levels of satisfaction.

Provide Free Behavioral Health Sessions

Mental health and wellness is something you need to support at every level of your organization, but it's also a company's duty to extend that care as much as they can outside of it, too. We provide free access to behavioral health sessions for employees and their dependents because we believe it's such a powerful tool of care.

While being able to lean on management and peers is crucial, it can't replace what many of us need at different times in our lives—the help of a trained professional at an affordable (or, in our case, free) rate.

Create Safe Spaces and Collaborative Solutions

We are always looking for ways to increase safety and support. For mental health next year, we will offer plans with no deductible and no copay for mental health counseling—as an example.

We always work hard to create a supportive space for our employees to come in and lay out concerns without fear of repercussions, where we can work on things collaboratively.

We don’t just try to problem-solve for them but rather listen to what’s going on and see what ideas they might have that could help and work from there. We also have regular educational and social events for our employees to foster learning and connection.

Combine a Four-Day Workweek with an EAP

As the largest four-day workweek recruitment agency in the UK, the core culture we possess promotes employee well-being. We do this by adopting a four-day work week—a practice that not only underscores our unwavering support for mental health but also has yielded remarkable achievements.

This distinctive approach has proven to be a transformative force. It has significantly enhanced the work-life balance of our team members, affording them ample opportunities for rest and revitalization. Consequently, we have observed a substantial decrease in stress and burnout, culminating in a more engaged and exceptionally productive workforce.

One of the most exemplary measures we have instituted to fortify employee mental health is the provision of a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our EAP offers employees discreet access to counseling services, along with an array of resources addressing topics such as stress management and mental health.

Implement Wellness Programs and Open Communication

First, it's helpful to implement workplace wellness programs that focus on mental health. This might look like offering workshops or classes on mindfulness or relaxation techniques, providing counseling services or mental health days off, or even incorporating fitness and wellness programs into the workplace.

Another way to promote mental health at work is to encourage open and honest communication around mental health issues. Employers can cultivate a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health with others, seeking out support, and asking for help when needed. Additionally, providing resources like mental health information handbooks or websites is a simple yet effective way to promote mental health awareness.

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