7 Quick Tips to Check on Your Employees’ Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced work environment, prioritizing mental health is essential for fostering a productive and positive workplace. According to recent surveys, half of U.S. workers experience moderate to severe levels of burnout, depression, or anxiety, while 31% report feeling stressed often or always due to their job. Job insecurity alone impacts stress levels for 54% of workers. At Career Development Partners (CDP), a Tulsa-based talent solutions firm dedicated to supporting organizations through every stage of the employee life cycle – from recruitment and onboarding to leadership development and career transitions – we believe that checking in on employees’ mental well-being is key to building resilient teams. Here are seven practical tips to help managers and leaders promote mental health in the workplace.
1. Foster Open Dialogue
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings where employees can speak freely about their challenges and ideas. This creates a safe space for sharing concerns without fear of judgment, helping to identify early signs of stress or burnout. Encouraging open communication can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, as 62% of employees report not feeling supported when discussing mental health issues.
2. Balance Workloads
Use tools like task management apps (e.g., Trello or Asana) to track workloads and avoid overburdening staff. Regularly reviewing assignments ensures equitable distribution of tasks, preventing exhaustion. With politics and global events cited as top stressors by 43% of workers, balanced workloads help maintain focus and reduce anxiety.
3. Prioritize Mental Breaks
Set up reminders or flexible breaks for employees to step away and clear their minds, such as short walks or mindfulness sessions. This practice combats fatigue and boosts concentration. Research shows that 36% of employees struggle to access mental health benefits, so simple, built-in breaks can provide immediate relief.
4. Support Work-Life Boundaries
Encourage employees to set specific work hours and avoid after-hours communication, such as emails or calls. This respects personal time and reduces the risk of burnout. For frontline workers and those in the “sandwich generation” (caring for both children and elders), clear boundaries are especially crucial, as they are least likely to engage with mental health support.
5. Celebrate Milestones
Recognize achievements in team meetings or via internal newsletters to keep morale high. Small acknowledgments, like shout-outs or virtual high-fives, reinforce a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Celebrating wins can counteract the 47% of Gen Z workers who rate their mental well-being as less than good.
6. Provide Mental Health Resources
Share a list of counseling services, hotlines, or wellness apps with employees to make support readily available. Examples include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for confidential counseling, apps like Headspace for mindfulness, or resources from organizations like Mental Health America for dealing with stressors and burnout. CDP offers customized programs, including stress management and resilience training, to integrate these resources seamlessly into your workplace.
7. Be Proactive with Check-Ins
Implement monthly wellness check-ins to discuss stressors and support needs openly. These proactive conversations allow for timely interventions and show employees that their well-being matters. Tools like anonymous surveys from the Department of Labor can help gauge workplace stress levels.
At Career Development Partners, we offer tailored mental health programs to support your team’s well-being, including stress management, resilience training, and a robust feedback culture. Together, we can create a healthier, more productive workplace.
