May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NALP wants to help you demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of your employees. Workplaces can be a key source for resources, solutions and activities designed to improve mental health and well-being.
Here are some ways to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture:
- Review Policies: Review company policies to ensure they support mental health initiatives, such as offering mental health days, flexible sick leave, and accommodations for employees seeking mental health treatment.
- Training for Managers: Offer training sessions for managers on how to support employees’ mental health, recognize signs of distress, and effectively respond to mental health-related issues in the workplace.
- Promote Self-Care: Encourage employees to prioritize self-care by providing resources on stress reduction techniques, exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, promoting regular breaks, and discouraging overtime. This helps prevent burnout and supports mental well-being.
- Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns openly. This can be achieved through internal support groups, designated mental health advocates, or anonymous feedback channels.
- Normalize Conversations: Use internal communications channels to share personal stories or testimonials from employees who have overcome mental health challenges. This helps normalize conversations around mental health and reduce stigma.
- Provide Resources: Share resources such as articles, videos, and self-help materials related to mental health awareness with your employees. This can be done through newsletters, internal websites, or dedicated resource libraries.
- Educational Workshops: Host workshops or webinars focusing on mental health topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and recognizing signs of mental health issues.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): If you have an EAP, ensure that it is well-publicized and easily accessible to all employees. This provides confidential support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues.
Please refer to these resources for more information on implementing or enhancing mental health and wellness programs at your company. It’s okay to start small and build on your programs as you are able. Even small actions can have a big impact!
Resources:
Center for Workplace Mental Health by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation
- Mental Health Month Toolkit
- Improving Resilience in the Workplace
- Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace
- General Employer Resources
Right Direction – an initiative from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health
- 2024 Outreach Toolkit (Where to Start)
EARN – Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
- Checklist for Mentally Healthy Workplaces
- Create a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace
- Resources on Mental Health and Employment
National Alliance on Mental Illness
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Workplace Stress (Mental Health)
- Guidance Tips Resources
- Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Front-Line Supervisors
- How to Talk to Your Coworkers about Mental Health
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
