Care Culture: How Prevention Empowers Employee Mental Health from the Top-Down
Mental health has become a critical issue in the workplace, with research showing that when employees lack the adequate resources needed to maintain their mental health, it has a significant impact on engagement, productivity, and absenteeism. This puts a strain on HR leaders who are often tasked as an organization’s emotional regulators. And let’s not forget that the cost of mental health crisis services, such as hospitalization, can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that the cost of a single psychiatric hospitalization for an employee was over $10,000
With employees spending 1/3 of their life at work, it’s unrealistic for them to leave all of life’s adversities at the office door. Organizations need an effective and proactive mental health solution that not only supports employees, but also equips HR and leadership with the skills they need to promote a psychologically safe company from the top down.
In recent years, many companies have recognized the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace and have implemented a range of initiatives aimed at supporting employee well-being. However, while these initiatives are well-intentioned, they are often reactive rather than preventative.
Preventative mental health, on the other hand, focuses on identifying and addressing mental health issues before they become severe. headversity, the industry’s first Preventative Assistance Platform (PRE.A.P.), is focused on proactively equipping employees and leaders with the skills they need to avoid reaching the crisis stage. By taking a proactive approach to mental health, companies can significantly reduce the burden on their bottom line and HR managers and leaders will have more success in establishing an engaged and empowered workforce.
How can preventative mental health help HR managers and leaders?
When companies promote preventative mental health, they can reduce the likelihood of employees reaching the crises stage, thereby reducing the time and resources required to address them. When you equip and empower employees to take control of their mental health, it helps them maintain a mentally healthy state.
Mental health issues are a significant contributor to employee turnover. However, companies with comprehensive mental health support can create a culture that values employee well-being. Not only does a psychologically safe work culture decrease employee turnover, but it also assists in recruiting the best and brightest employees to your organization.
HR leaders are responsible for ensuring that employees are productive and meet their performance goals. Mental health issues can lead to withdrawn employees that struggle with productivity. However, studies have shown that mentally healthy employees are also significantly more passionate, engaged, and productive with their work.
Preventative mental health is about providing individuals at every company level with the skills they need to combat adversity and perform their specific role. Many managers and team leaders feel reluctant to discuss employee mental health because they feel it extends outside of their area of expertise. With resources like headversity, leaders are properly equipped with the tools they need to create a culture of openness and acceptance that benefits all employees. This establishes a company culture where leaders have the confidence to empower, inspire, and guide their employees to prioritize their mental health.