Mental health is often a taboo subject in the workplace, with employees feeling uneasy bringing up this personal topic in a professional setting, especially if workplaces do not have resources available for their employees to use to their benefit. However, with one in five individuals suffering from mental illnesses in the United States alone, it would not be uncommon to find at least a handful of other individuals in your workplace that are also experiencing similar effects.

Because of the impact of mental health on one’s career and personal life, HR should play a more prominent role in providing resources and benefits that will support their employees’ mental health.

The Role of Benefits

Benefits packages differ from company to company, and while they may provide assistance in the area of healthcare, this often does not extend to mental health services. HR professionals can take a deeper dive into the benefits they offer to their employees and see how they can better assist their employees in finding affordable mental health services catered to their needs. Even if this is not in the cards for your organization, consider how you can offer optional services, such as financial counseling, to aid your employees in creating a budget that allows them to have the money for mental health services.

Discuss It Openly

Many employees feel ashamed to even bring this subject up in their close social circles, let alone in the workplace. HR can encourage their employees to talk about these battles more openly and can actually lead the discussion by hosting mental health workshops, online training and promoting mental health awareness. This can provide just enough of a window for employees to feel more comfortable discussing their mental health with others and seeking the support they need.

A Work-Life Balance

Although your organization may provide attractive in-office options, promoting a healthy work-life balance goes to great lengths in supporting your employees’ wellbeing. It might seem counterproductive to support this type of working style, but it will actually come to benefit you as an organization, as your employees will most likely return to work mentally refreshed and ready to take on the day. Supporting a healthy work-life balance may look like laying out generous PTO policies, paid sick days or mental health days, hybrid work options, or flexible schedules. Each employee’s needs may differ, but they will come to appreciate your active support and investment in their wellbeing.