How to Make Employee Mental Health a Leadership Priority

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, leaders must recognize and prioritize employee mental health. A healthy work environment enhances productivity and fosters employee well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that poor mental health results in 12 billion lost working days annually. This could cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion each year. 

The Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health

A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 92% of workers consider it very or somewhat important to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being. Despite this, many employees feel that mental health support in their workplace is inadequate.

Develop Leadership Skills to Support Employee Mental Health

To effectively support employee mental health, leaders should develop and utilize key skills:

• Emotional Intelligence: Leaders must understand and manage their emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can empathize with employees, creating a supportive environment.
• Effective Communication: Open and honest communication encourages employees to share their concerns without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins and active listening can help identify issues before they escalate.
• Empathy: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for employees’ personal and professional challenges builds trust and a sense of belonging.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change is important. For example, offering remote work or flexible hours can help reduce stress. This also improves work-life balance.
• Building a Psychologically Safe Culture: A commitment to employee well-being requires creating a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas, asking questions, admitting mistakes, and taking risks without fear of negative consequences.  

5 Ways Leaders Can Promote Mental Health

Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a work environment that prioritizes mental well-being. By implementing thoughtful strategies, they can create a culture where employees feel supported and valued. Here are five ways leaders can actively promote mental health in the workplace:

1. Provide Mental Health Training
Many employees and managers are not equipped to recognize the signs of mental health struggles or understand how to offer support. Leaders can organize mental health training sessions to help employees and managers:

• Identify early warning signs of stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Learn strategies for managing workplace stress and preventing burnout.
• Develop skills to engage in supportive conversations without stigma.

2. Establish Open Communication Channels
A workplace culture that encourages open dialogue about mental health helps employees feel safe discussing their struggles without fear of judgment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), while 74% of full-time employees believe it is appropriate to discuss mental health at work, only 58% actually feel comfortable doing so. 

Creating open channels for honest conversations can bridge this gap and build a more supportive workplace. Leaders can:

• Host regular check-ins with employees to discuss workload, stress levels, and well-being.
• Encourage managers to adopt an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns.
• Lead by example by being transparent about their own mental health challenges and work-life balance strategies.

3. Promote Work-Life Balance
An overworked and stressed workforce leads to lower productivity and higher turnover rates. Promoting work-life balance helps prevent burnout and ensures employees remain engaged, focused, and mentally well. Leaders should actively encourage work-life balance by:

• Setting realistic workload expectations and ensuring employees are not overwhelmed.
• Encouraging employees to take regular breaks and step away from their desks.
• Leading by example by taking time off and respecting personal boundaries.

4. Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling, mental health resources, and crisis intervention services. When employees have access to mental health support through EAPs, they are more likely to seek help when needed, reducing the long-term impact of workplace stress and mental health struggles. Leaders can ensure these programs are effective by:

• Regularly reminding employees about the availability of EAP resources.
• Ensuring that EAPs cover a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, grief, addiction, and financial counseling.
• Encouraging employees to use these resources proactively rather than waiting for a crisis to arise.

5. Recognize and Reward Efforts
Feeling valued and appreciated significantly impacts an employee’s mental well-being. Recognition not only boosts morale but also reduces stress and increases overall job satisfaction, leading to a happier and more motivated workforce. Leaders can foster a positive work environment by:

• Regularly acknowledging and appreciating employees’ hard work and dedication.
• Implementing formal recognition programs, such as employee of the month awards or peer-nominated appreciation initiatives.
• Providing incentives for employees who go above and beyond, whether through bonuses, extra time off, or other meaningful rewards.

By taking these proactive steps, leaders can create an environment where employees feel supported in their mental health journey. When mental well-being is prioritized, organizations experience higher engagement, lower absenteeism, and stronger team dynamics—benefiting both individuals and the company as a whole.

Make a Commitment to Mental Health

Prioritizing employee mental health is not just a compassionate approach; it’s a strategic business decision that leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. Leaders can create a workplace environment where mental health is valued and protected by developing key leadership skills and implementing supportive strategies. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to making mental well-being a leadership priority.