Each year World Mental Health Day focuses on a theme that aims to bring more awareness and information around mental health and wellbeing, while reducing associated stigma. This year’s focus is prioritising mental health in the workplace.
As providers of bespoke Wellbeing in the Workplace support packages, we’re encouraged by this. We’ve spoken to many employers who want to help but don’t know where to start; we’ve also spoken to employers who don’t know the benefits of investing in the mental health of their workforce.
Poor mental health can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, burnout, increased stress, mistakes, reduced work performance, reduced efficiency and poor concentration. It can also impact work morale and culture.
In this blog, we’re going to outline some of the many benefits of promoting good mental health in the workplace.
The benefits
Investing in the mental health and wellbeing of employee’s, employers will see long-term results.
Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Poor mental health significantly increases the rates of absenteeism and presenteeism at work. By supporting employee’s mental health, businesses can reduce the number of days employees spend absent from work or the rates of underperformance due to stress, burnout and other mental health challenges.
Increased Productivity
Promoting good mental health in the workplace ensures employees have greater motivation and productivity.
Improved Employee Retention
Employers that demonstrate that they care for their employees’ mental health often ensures loyalty and increased job satisfaction, thus seeing lower staff turnover rates. Employees who feel supported and valued generally stay with their employee long-term which reduces recruitment and training costs.
Positive Workplace Culture
Employers who embrace good mental health within the workplace nurture a culture of openness, trust and support. It reduces the stigma around mental illness, encouraging employees to seek help when they need it; building an environment of resilience and where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges.
Better Physical Health
Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can contribute to physical problems such as heart disease, headaches, or digestive issues, leading to higher healthcare costs for both the employee and the company. Supporting mental wellbeing can mitigate these risks.
Increased Innovation and Creativity
A mentally healthy workforce is more likely to feel secure, inspired, and confident, which fosters creativity and innovation. Employees in good mental health are better at problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and adapting to challenges, which are essential for organisational growth.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy working environment, including addressing mental health concerns within health and safety legislation. Failure to act could result in legal action.
Financial Benefits
Every pound spent on mental health support within the workplace
According to research, every dollar spent on mental health initiatives provides a return on investment through improved employee productivity and reduced recruitment, absence and turnover costs. Investing in mental health can be seen as both a moral and financially sound choice for business.
Attracting Top Talent
Job seekers are increasingly looking for employers that champion work-life balance and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating a commitment to mental health, companies can position themselves as attractive employers, drawing in top talent and fostering a positive employer brand.
Adaptability in Times of Crisis
Companies that have robust mental health support systems in place are better equipped to handle crises, such as economic downturns, global pandemics, or organisational changes. Employees with strong mental health resources can adapt better and remain resilient during turbulent times.
World Mental Health Day
Each year World Mental Health Day focuses on a theme that aims to bring more awareness and information around mental health and wellbeing, while reducing associated stigma. This year’s focus is prioritising mental health in the workplace.
As providers of bespoke Wellbeing in the Workplace support packages, we’re encouraged by this. We’ve spoken to many employers who want to help but don’t know where to start; we’ve also spoken to employers who don’t know the benefits of investing in the mental health of their workforce.
Poor mental health can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, burnout, increased stress, mistakes, reduced work performance, reduced efficiency and poor concentration. It can also impact work morale and culture.
In this blog, we’re going to outline some of the many benefits of promoting good mental health in the workplace.
The benefits
Investing in the mental health and wellbeing of employee’s, employers will see long-term results.
Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Poor mental health significantly increases the rates of absenteeism and presenteeism at work. By supporting employee’s mental health, businesses can reduce the number of days employees spend absent from work or the rates of underperformance due to stress, burnout and other mental health challenges.
Increased Productivity
Promoting good mental health in the workplace ensures employees have greater motivation and productivity.
Improved Employee Retention
Employers that demonstrate that they care for their employees’ mental health often ensures loyalty and increased job satisfaction, thus seeing lower staff turnover rates. Employees who feel supported and valued generally stay with their employee long-term which reduces recruitment and training costs.
Positive Workplace Culture
Employers who embrace good mental health within the workplace nurture a culture of openness, trust and support. It reduces the stigma around mental illness, encouraging employees to seek help when they need it; building an environment of resilience and where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges.
Better Physical Health
Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can contribute to physical problems such as heart disease, headaches, or digestive issues, leading to higher healthcare costs for both the employee and the company. Supporting mental wellbeing can mitigate these risks.
Increased Innovation and Creativity
A mentally healthy workforce is more likely to feel secure, inspired, and confident, which fosters creativity and innovation. Employees in good mental health are better at problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and adapting to challenges, which are essential for organisational growth.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy working environment, including addressing mental health concerns within health and safety legislation. Failure to act could result in legal action.
Financial Benefits
Every pound spent on mental health support within the workplace
According to research, every dollar spent on mental health initiatives provides a return on investment through improved employee productivity and reduced recruitment, absence and turnover costs. Investing in mental health can be seen as both a moral and financially sound choice for business.
Attracting Top Talent
Job seekers are increasingly looking for employers that champion work-life balance and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating a commitment to mental health, companies can position themselves as attractive employers, drawing in top talent and fostering a positive employer brand.
Adaptability in Times of Crisis
Companies that have robust mental health support systems in place are better equipped to handle crises, such as economic downturns, global pandemics, or organisational changes. Employees with strong mental health resources can adapt better and remain resilient during turbulent times.
If you’re an employer looking for ways to invest in the mental health of your employees, look no further. We provide new and innovative ways to improve wellbeing in the workplace with proven results.
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