Employee mental health has become a workplace topic of increased focus and awareness in recent years. An employee’s mental health includes how they think, feel and act, and their emotional and social well-being. While mental health includes mental illness, these two concepts aren’t interchangeable. For example, an employee can go through a period of poor mental health but not necessarily have a diagnosable mental illness. Additionally, an employee’s mental health can change over time, depending on factors such as their workload, stress and work-life balance.
Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national movement in May that aims to increase awareness about mental health, fight stigma, celebrate recovery, and support Americans with mental illness and their families. This article explores mental health in the workplace and ways employers can support employee mental health.
Millions of people in the United States are affected by mental illness each year. In fact, mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the country. While more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults (22.8%) experience mental illness annually, only nearly half (47.2%) of people with mental illness receive treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that depression alone causes an estimated 200 million lost workdays each year, costing employers $17 billion to $44 billion. Depression directly impacts an organization by increasing absenteeism, triggering disability insurance and lowering productivity in the workplace.
Workplace conversations about mental health aren’t an annual event. Mental Health Awareness Month can be leveraged to kick off conversations, but keeping the momentum and support going year-round is important. Consider the following ways employers can support employee mental health during this month and beyond:
When organizational leadership talks openly about mental health, employees are more likely to feel comfortable about the concept and reach out to managers or co-workers if they’re struggling. Workplace conversations about mental health aren’t just an annual observance. In fact, developing a company culture that supports employees by openly discussing and addressing mental health—without its associated stigma—takes time. However, Mental Health Awareness Month can be a good time to kick off conversations and keep the momentum and support going year-round.
Contact Vista Insurance Group for additional workplace mental health resources.
Source: Zywave
5643 Harrisburg Industrial Park Dr.
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Licensed Insurance Professional. Respond and learn how insurance and annuities can positively impact your retirement. This material has been provided by a licensed insurance professional for informational and educational purposes only and is not endorsed or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice.
Licensed Insurance Professional. Respond and learn how insurance and annuities can positively impact your retirement. This material has been provided by a licensed insurance professional for informational and educational purposes only and is not endorsed or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice.