6 Ways HR Can Support Mental Health Issues (And Why It’s So Essential)

Addressing mental health in the workplace is more critical than it’s ever been. Human Resource managers must learn to proactively recognize and support mental health issues to establish a safe work environment, increase productivity, lower total cost of care, and reduce stigma. 

HR and mental health support doesn’t have to be a mystery. Integrating mental health services to enhance Advanced Primary Care allows employees to thrive professionally and personally, so you can find and keep top talent and increase productivity organization-wide. Offering exceptional benefits that emphasize the importance of mental health will keep your company attractive in an increasingly competitive market. Here’s how to improve employee mental health. 

Mental health matters: The HR role in prioritizing employee well-being

Your duties go far beyond just recruiting and terminating staff – you must also ensure a positive work atmosphere. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in America lives with a mental illness.

You can make a significant impact by implementing policies and offering mental health resources that provide access to care. Ensuring the right support is available can:

• Boost productivity: Mentally fit employees generally have higher energy levels and better focus, make fewer mistakes, and outperform those struggling.
• Reduce turnover: Taking care of emotional wellness shows employees they are valued and cared for, leading to increased job satisfaction and lower turnover.
• Cultivate a positive culture: When employers genuinely care about the well-being of their people, including their mental state, it can build trust, improve morale, and foster collaboration.
• Avoid legal headaches: Ignoring mental health laws can result in lawsuits and penalties. You simply can’t afford to not stay informed and comply with regulations.

Mental healthcare as an integrated part of the Complete Care solution

Everside Health’s Advanced Primary Care uses powerful data and analytics to help you make informed decisions so you can enhance the types of services you offer and include a focus on mental well-being and other needs. LiveBetter^TM is an add-on solution that enhances Advanced Primary Care and offer much more than the basic mental health screenings the core services provide. 

What is Advanced Primary Care?

Advanced Primary Care is a care model that focuses on proactive prevention and management of chronic conditions with convenient access to care through onsite, near-site, and virtual care options. It uses advanced analytics and predictive patient data to drive decisions about services, including physical and mental health care, which are crucial in managing employee stress levels and addressing other mental health needs.

Advanced Primary Care benefits: 

• Total cost of care savings – 31% savings by year 5
• Enhanced patient outcomes – 82% of people report improved health  
• Positive experience – +85 Net Promoter patient score
• Satisfied employees – 75% have an improved opinion of their employer

Your onsite or near-site clinics or additional virtual care options ensure care is convenient, accessible, and affordable. Using unparalleled predictive analytics, Advanced Primary Care can be tailored specifically to the needs of your workforce.  The Everside Health team works closely with you to identify any additional needs and create customized solutions.

6 ways that HR and mental health work together

Most HR Managers play a significant role in shaping the culture and environment of their company. Tackling and addressing mental health in the workplace, which undeniably affects productivity and employee well-being, is a large part of this. 

How to support employee mental health:

1. Promote open communication: Encourage employees to speak up about their struggles. Regular check-ins and safe spaces can help people share their experiences.
2. Educate employees and create awareness: Ensure everyone understands mental health and its importance by conducting workshops and inviting experts to speak.
3. Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Implement EAPs for confidential counseling services for employees and their families.
4. Create mental health policies: Write policies addressing mental health – offer benefits like flexible working hours and stress management programs. Establish and promote your policies to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. 
5. Foster a supportive environment: Inclusive atmospheres make everyone feel valued, regardless of what they’re facing. Prioritize work-life balance to reduce stress through flexible hours, remote work options, and regular breaks.
6. Incorporate Advanced Primary Care Services: Provide convenient access to comprehensive care from dedicated primary physicians at low or no cost to your employees.

Everside Health offers total care solutions that optimize physical, emotional, and psychological well-being to positively influence mental health issues in the workplace.

HR and mental health - The connection is powerful

Making employee well-being a priority and creating a supportive environment will increase productivity, improve morale, and ensure you’re attracting the right types of employees. 

Everside’s Advanced Primary Care and mental health support through LiveBetter^TM ensure you have an integrated physical and mental health wellness program to provide employees with the resources they need.

If you’re looking for effective ideas on how to improve employee mental health, a focus on promoting work-life balance, providing stress management training, offering confidential counseling services, and fostering an open culture where people feel comfortable discussing their needs is the first step to healing. By taking these steps, you’ll build a healthier workforce and supercharge organizational performance.

Sources: 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/