5 ways to Better Support and Manage
Mental Health in the Workplace

1) First and foremost, start the conversation 

• Ensure employees have access to information on both mental health and substance abuse, as well as wellness materials. 

• • This should include materials on how to manage and support loved ones and coworkers dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues. 
  • It should also include information on how to handle and report mental and physical abuse they might be seeing or experiencing. 

• Speak out from the top down; have leadership speak openly about these issues and the importance of looking after mental health and wellness on a regular basis. 

2) Put resources in place for support and make sure employees are checking in 

• Employees are your most valuable resource, so looking after them should be a priority; consider having weekly or bi-weekly check-ins or anonymous mental health surveys. 

• • Use the feedback you’re given to provide more focused support. 

• Track how your employees are doing as individuals so you can clearly see when someone needs help, even if they’re not speaking up about it. 

• Make sure employees have access to professional help and support if they want or need it. 

 3) Provide structure and community 

• Facilitate ways for employees to have group discussions about mental health and wellness, as well as ways for them to safely have fun together, such as: 

• • Parent groups, pet owner groups, coffee clubs, book clubs, socially distanced or virtual running groups, or virtual yoga sessions. 

• Set up accountability groups for those struggling with resources, tips, and both support from leadership, as well as advice from professionals. 

4) Mandate and normalize self-care 

• Set up reminders, groups and tips for employees looking to improve their day-to-day wellness, such as: 
  • Meditation, screen-time breaks or adding a mandatory 5-15 desk or station break every 2 to 4 hours; also, reminders or ways to track movement, hydration and eating.
  • Even if these things may appear obvious, the absence of a regular routine or a reminder about the importance of self-care and our own worth can sometimes cause us to neglect taking care of ourselves. Vacation or time off work should be used for mental health as well as physical health.
  • It’s more important nowadays for employees to use their time off and be allowed to use sick days if they need a mental break.

5) Make it official 

• Update your policies to reflect the importance of mental health. 
• Set up formalized tracking and response for mental health and substance abuse concerns. 

• Ensure managers are both trained for and comfortable with dealing with any and all mental health issues or concerns.