How COVID-19 Is Teaching HR the Importance of Mental Health

Before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, companies were just beginning to understand the importance of their employee’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. However, with many employees struggling with a myriad of problems onset from this pandemic and looking for mental health support from their employers, this topic is now center stage for most companies. While mental health is still widely considered taboo in our society and specifically in the workplace, it’s crucial for businesses to find the proper way of providing the resources and support their employees need.

The Importance of Mental Health for a Successful Team

Employer-provided mental health resources have always played an important role in helping your team succeed. However, many organizations are now realizing the direct benefits that their employees are experiencing from these resources. Although COVID-19 has really emphasized the importance of mental health, these issues won’t go away post-pandemic and will always be a part of the human experience. It is prevalent for employers to continue focusing on the mental health of their employees and providing the support and resources they need.

Strategies for Addressing Mental Health in Your Workplace

Employers should offer tools and training for keeping both their employees and managers properly equipped in creating a psychologically safe environment that also facilitates genuine conversations. HR Departments should also provide their employees with playbooks in order to sensitively and appropriately take action once mental health issues are disclosed. Finding helpful ways to support your employees on their mental health journey in addition to offering the right resources helps put their wellbeing first. It’s important for organizations to survey their employees to make sure everyone’s needs are being met and taking the time to listen and facilitate any necessary changes. Authentic care is really the most impactful resource an employer can offer their staff members. When your efforts are genuine, your organization will experience the direct benefits that these open conversations and efforts have in supporting employee mental health.

The Most Common Flaw in Employers’ Approach to Mental Health

With old-school perceptions that employees should navigate and figure out their mental health issues themselves, many organizations make the common mistake of telling their employees to “leave your personal issues at the door,” or “that sounds like a personal problem.” Our experiences in life and our experience of wellbeing from work are all interconnected. It’s important for organizations to understand and acknowledge their role in their employee’s mental health.

Work with Our HR Experts for Providing the Proper Mental Health Resources

Next Level HRC is happy to help your organization with its employee mental health resources. From creating the proper resources to helping facilitate manager treating, we can help you prioritize the mental health and emotional wellbeing of your employees. Experience better productivity and improved workplace culture in addition to numerous other benefits when you focus on mental health awareness and support.

For more information regarding the importance of mental health, please contact us!