Mental Health in the Workplace: How HR Can Support Employee Well-Being
Jan 23, 2025 8:30:00 AM
Work is an essential part of everyone's daily lives. For many, it's a routine that many are so accustomed to, and when they feel overwhelmed, they try dismissing it without realising the implications that it could cause.
Over the years, there has been an increasing focus on employee well-being, particularly with mental health in the workplace. While human resources (HR) mostly deals with company policies and procedures, they are tasked with making sure employees are at their best in order to perform their duties sufficiently. This is why making sure an employee's mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health.
How Can HR Help with Employee Well-Being?
While direct supervisors are usually the first point of contact if employees have any concerns, HRs can also offer support to employees who need it.
Here are some ways HRs can support employee well-being
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Create a supportive work culture
Make sure employees are valued the moment they start their first day and promote a workplace where everyone can feel like they can speak up without judgment.
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Provide mental health training for managers
As managers are the first point of contact for employees, ensure they are properly trained in recognising mental health issues among their team members so they can offer help.
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Assess employee workloads
HRs and managers should also monitor the amount of work that each employee gets to know if they are more than capable of handling it. Set realistic goals and provide feedback to the employee in case.
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Develop wellness programs
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HRs can create various mental health programs to keep employees engaged. This could be in the form of physical activities or workshops on how to handle stress and other workplace issues.
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Offer mental health resources
HEs can also provide regular resources for mental health and share them with employees. More than that, offering confidential counselling resources is encouraged so employees can utilise them discreetly if they prefer.
Encourage work-life balance – HRs should also remind employees about work-life balance. It can't always be about work, so it's best to remind employees to disconnect after work hours or take their paid time off (PTO).
HRs are more than just policy-enforcers. They can also offer support to employees struggling with mental health. They also play a big part in making sure the office is more than a place for work but a place where everyone always feels welcome, which significantly impacts how they work.