Incorporate Best Practices at Your Workplace
The average employed American spends more time working than doing anything other than sleeping. And data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human services showed that 76% of U.S. workers report experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition each year. The workplace is a key space to make changes that can help improve mental health and prevent suicide. It’s not only a human thing to do, but it also improves the bottom line. Employees who are supported in their mental well-being perform at higher rates of productivity, have reduced absenteeism and cost their employees less in general health care. In fact, according to National Safety Council for every $1 employers invest in mental health treatment, there is a $4 return in improved health and productivity. Please take this opportunity to learn more.
The first step is to assess your company’s capacity to address employees’ mental health. Look beyond your employee manual to examine company culture and analyze the types of mental health training you provide. Explore tools such as employee assistance programs (EAPs). Free and paid scorecards are available to help assess where your company stands and provide ideas about how to level up.
Creating positive change necessitates proactively working through any concerns corporations may have. The Workplace Suicide Prevention & Postvention Committee, outlines common corporate questions about liability, training and accommodations and provides answers, case studies and ideas for implementing different mental health initiatives.
When it comes to mental health education, the key is committing to implement consistent wellness practices. Organizations with no formal mental health training can start by inviting mental health nonprofits in to speak or by using free or low-cost online courses. If you already have training in place for management, consider expanding it company-wide.
Integrating mental health into your company culture improves employee well-being and supports increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Start by including mental health articles in newsletters, posting suicide warning signs and 988 information in common areas, and holding lunch-and-learn events. Promote resources like health insurance plans, EAP programs and sick leave policies that include mental health days. Ensure employees know they can discuss mental health with HR without worrying about confidentiality or job jeopardy. Develop a process for sharing concerns about struggling colleagues.
With more than 47 million people in the U.S. living with a mental health condition, many employees have lived experience. Some may be open to serving as peer advocates once educated about suicide. Consider starting an employee resource group (ERG) to champion mental health. The American Psychiatric Association’s Center for Workplace Mental Health offers a free Mental Health Guide with a variety of ideas.
Want to play a more prominent role in affecting powerful change?
Consider joining the Zero Suicide Jax Steering Committee, which is focused on increasing participation in the movement and making strides in quality improvement. Please email your contact information to [email protected] with the subject line: Steering Committee.
