As a business coach, I have seen firsthand the impact that mental health can have on the productivity and success of a company. Mental health issues affect millions annually and can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and individual misery. Yet, despite the prevalence of these issues, many businesses fail to address them proactively.

From 2018 to 2022 alone, the number of workers reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety rose from 10% to a whopping 40%. In the United States, one in five adults experiences a mental illness in any given year, and depression is the leading cause of disability among people aged 15-44. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) say that mental health problems are the leading cause of disability worldwide, costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Many business leaders confirm that mental health issues cause a variety of adverse operational outcomes, such as loss of revenue, decreased profitability, and loss of customers.

These statistics show that mental health is not just a personal issue but a societal one that impacts the workforce and the economy.

There is some good news, however: there are steps that businesses can take to address mental health issues in the workplace. Organizations can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a positive workplace culture by prioritizing employee mental health, resilience, and wellness.

Businesses Shape Employees’ Mental Health Significantly

Many executives don't realize that businesses play a significant role in shaping the mental health of their employees. According to a survey conducted by Paychex, approximately 85% of employees experienced mental health issues due to work-related stress, anxiety, and burnout. The job demands, long work hours, lack of work-life balance, poor management, and poor communication can all contribute to an employee's mental health issues. For example, employees working in a high-pressure sales environment may experience anxiety and stress, negatively impacting their mental health. Similarly, employees working in a toxic work culture, where bullying and harassment are common, may experience depression and anxiety. These issues can be exacerbated when employees do not have access to adequate mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or counseling services. Therefore, businesses must prioritize employee mental health by creating a supportive work environment and offering resources to help employees manage their mental health.

7 Ways to Support Your Employees’ Mental Health

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and businesses have a critical role in promoting and supporting the mental health of their employees. Wonder about costs? A 2022 research study by professional services company Accenture found that productivity and well-being are not contradictory but, in fact, complementary.

So, here are seven recommendations for senior business executives and HR teams to support the mental health of their employees:

• Normalize Mental Health Conversations - Businesses should encourage open communication between managers and employees about mental health. Employees should feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns with their managers without fear of reprisal. A study by Accenture found that 87% of employees say that they would like their employer to support their mental health by creating an open and accepting work environment by, for example, utilizing the principles of psychological safety.

• Promote Mental Health Awareness - Mental health awareness is the first step in supporting employees' mental health. Businesses should provide education and training to their employees about mental health, its signs and symptoms, and how to support colleagues who may be experiencing mental health issues. According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, 76% of employees say they would feel more comfortable talking to their employer about mental health if they provided more education about it. One such measure could be to offer Mental Health First Aid courses.

• Provide Access to Mental Health Resources - Businesses should provide access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and counseling services. EAPs offer confidential counseling and support for employees and their families. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 94% of employers offer an EAP, and 83% of those with an EAP report that employees use it.

• Encourage Work-Life Balance - Businesses should encourage work-life balance by providing flexible work schedules, remote work options, and paid time off. Overwork and long hours can lead to burnout, a significant risk factor for mental health problems. A study by the American Institute of Stress found that job pressure is the primary cause of stress in the workplace, with 46% of employees reporting that their workload is too heavy.

• Foster a Positive Work Environment - Businesses should foster a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, recognition, and appreciation. According to a study by Gallup, employees who receive regular recognition and praise are more engaged, productive, and happier in their work. A positive work environment can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.

• Support Physical Health - Businesses should support physical health by providing wellness programs, healthy food options, and opportunities for physical activity. Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 60% of employees say that wellness programs help them to manage stress.

• Lead by Example - Finally, businesses should promote mental health and well-being among their leadership teams. Managers should prioritize their mental health and well-being and lead by example by taking breaks, encouraging work-life balance, and seeking support when needed. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, managers who model self-care behaviors are likelier to have employees who practice self-care.

Some argue that the discussion should focus not on mental health but on mental fitness. Mental fitness is defined as having and maintaining a state of well-being and cultivating awareness of how we think, behave, and feel. Just as physical fitness provides us with an improved ability to respond to changes in our environment, mental fitness supports us in the same way as it helps us actively engage in activities that strengthen our minds.

The mental fitness movement is relatively new but increasingly popular. In May 2023, TikTok's #mentalfitness tag had already amassed about 75 million views. Check out author and consultant Simon Sinek's TikTok introducing the idea of mental fitness:

Differentiating Mental Health, Mental Well-being, & Mental Fitness

It is essential to differentiate between mental health, mental well-being, and mental fitness, as these terms are often used interchangeably. Mental fitness goes beyond mental health and well-being. While mental health refers to the absence of mental illness, mental well-being refers to feeling good and functioning well in daily life. Mental fitness, on the other hand, refers to the ability to cope with challenges and manage stress in the workplace. It involves developing a positive mindset, maintaining emotional balance, and building resilience. Mental fitness is a proactive approach to maintaining good mental health and mental well-being.

Why Mental Fitness Is of Strategic Importance in the Workplace

The importance of mental fitness in the workplace cannot be overstated. A study by Deloitte found that poor mental health costs, for example, the UK economy, up to £45 billion per year, with a significant proportion of this cost borne by employers. Poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased staff turnover. On the other hand, employees with good mental fitness are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. They are better equipped to manage stress, adapt to change, and work collaboratively with colleagues.

Here are some examples of how employers can support their employees' mental fitness:

• Provide Mental Fitness Training - Mental fitness training can help employees develop coping skills, build resilience, and maintain a positive mindset. This can be done through workshops, coaching, or online training.

• Encourage Work-Life Balance - Employers can offer flexible working arrangements, paid time off, and support for caring responsibilities. This can help employees to manage their workload, reduce stress, and maintain good mental health.

• Foster a Positive Work Environment - Employers can foster a positive work environment by promoting a culture of respect, recognition, and appreciation. Employees who feel valued and supported are likelier to have good mental fitness and well-being.

• Provide Access to Mental Health Resources - Employers can provide access to resources such as EAPs, counseling, and online mental health support. EAPs can provide counseling and support for employees and their families, while online support can offer quick access to resources and tools.

• Promote Physical Fitness - Regular exercise positively impacts mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Employers can promote physical fitness by providing access to wellness programs, healthy food options, and opportunities for physical activity.

Employee Actions for Mental Fitness

Employees can also take proactive steps to maintain good mental fitness. Here are some examples:

• Develop Coping Skills - Developing coping skills can help employees to manage stress and maintain good mental fitness. Coping skills can include time management, problem-solving, and relaxation techniques.

• Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness involves being present at the moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help to reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and enhance mental fitness.

• Seek Support - Employees should seek support when they need it. This can include talking to a trusted colleague or manager, seeking counseling or therapy, or accessing online mental health resources.

• Maintain Work-Life Balance - Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for good mental fitness. Employees should prioritize self-care and ensure they take breaks and set boundaries.

• Live healthily - Regular exercise, meditation, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can help to improve cognitive function and promote overall well-being.

• Practice Positive Self-Talk - Positive self-talk (your internal dialogue with yourself) can help improve mental health and resilience.

The Role of Coaching when it comes to Employee Mental Health

Investing in business coaching to improve employees' mental health offers organizations several compelling legal, financial, and business case arguments.

By prioritizing employees' mental well-being, organizations can ensure legal compliance, reduce the risk of lawsuits, enhance productivity, decrease turnover rates, and cultivate a positive work culture:

• Compliance with Employment Laws - By proactively addressing mental health concerns through business coaching, organizations demonstrate their commitment to complying with employment laws. Various jurisdictions have enacted laws that require employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment. Neglecting employees' mental health needs may expose businesses to potential legal liabilities, such as workplace harassment claims or violations of disability laws.

• Reducing the Risk of Lawsuits - Effective business coaching programs prioritizing mental health can help mitigate the risk of workplace-related lawsuits. By providing support, resources, and guidance to employees, businesses demonstrate their commitment to fostering a positive work environment, which can reduce the likelihood of legal disputes and costly litigation.

• Increased Employee Productivity - Investing in business coaching to improve employees' mental health can significantly boost productivity. Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and burnout, often lead to decreased focus, absenteeism, and reduced work performance. Business coaches with mental health expertise can help employees manage their stress levels, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

• Reduced Employee Turnover and Recruitment Costs - High turnover rates can harm a business's financial health. Employees experiencing mental health challenges may seek alternative employment opportunities that offer better support and work-life balance. Companies can foster a supportive culture and decrease turnover rates by providing business coaching focusing on mental well-being. This, in turn, reduces recruitment costs associated with finding and training new employees.

Nicolas Stephan, Managing Director and co-founder of the coaching platform Sparrks says, "From countless positive examples from the Sparrks' coaching practice, I can confirm that coaching can enormously contribute to employees' mental health. And coaching does more than improve productivity. By providing access to resilience-focused coaching, we have seen substantial capability improvements among our coachees, and organizations also benefit in the long term."

Ultimately, integrating business coaching into mental health initiatives is a strategic move that benefits both employees and the organization's overall success. Many business leaders agree, and that's why, for example, 39% of seed-stage CEOs and 60% of growth-stage CEOs hire external coaches.

In conclusion, mental health issues are a significant concern for businesses, but they do not have to be a barrier to success. By prioritizing employee mental health and wellness, companies can create a positive workplace culture that supports mental fitness and improves productivity. So, as a business coach, I encourage senior business executives and HR teams - and employees - to take proactive steps to address mental health in the workplace and promote mental fitness for all employees.

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Disclosure: I work as a Business & Leadership Coach for Sparrks.