The Workplace and Our Mental Health
Mental health concerns do not just live at home. Employees spend on average of over eight hours a day at work five days a week and these struggles come to work with them. Many, but not all, employers consider this a critical factor in their organization’s success. Since 2017, research has shown a sharp rise in mental health-related workplace issues, making it imperative for employers to prioritize these initiatives. The pandemic of 2020 elevated this focus.
Consider these research findings:
Since 2017, mental health-related leave of absence claims have increased by 300% in the U.S.
84% of workers have reported experiencing at least one mental health challenge in the past year, emphasizing the widespread nature of workplace-related mental health concerns.
Younger generations are prioritizing mental well-being over job stability, pushing employers to create more supportive environments.
Companies that invest in workplace wellness programs experience a return of up to $6 for every $1 spent.
Additionally, such programs have led to a 25% reduction in sick leave and disability management costs over time.
Workplace Wellness Programs
Workplace wellness programs play a crucial role in improving employee satisfaction and reducing stress. 91% of employees believe wellness programs positively impact their health and well-being, and companies with these initiatives experience a 28% reduction in employees calling in sick.
Focused Topics for Our Business Plan
Flexibility in work hours and location where appropriate. When employees have agency over work schedules and locations, workplaces report stable productivity, commitment and trust.
Creating systems that allow for employee input in decisions, helping them to feel valued, included, respected and industrious. Topics to include are policies, goals, practices and benefits. Systems that allow for consistent feedback and input can be put into place so they can be understood and used on a regular basis.
Engage leaders, managers and supervisors in understanding how each worker's communication style and regulation needs are different. This includes understanding how to invite conversation and shared professional connection.
Seek ways to promote employee autonomy with assistance as needed while tending to how much employees participate in decision-making, how information flows between management and staff, and the level of support employees receive. Too much or too little guidance can impact this. To strike a balance, managers should set clear goals and provide resources, allowing employees the flexibility to determine how best to accomplish their tasks.
Utilize assessments to understand the needs of your employees and the overall workplace experience of wellness.
How Rooted Compassion Can Help
We developed a workplace mental health support program. It includes these components:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - we help you create extensions to your EAP program, providing counseling and other supports when your current program ends.
Screenings and Assessments - we provide both assessments for the business to understand the benefits and needs of their wellness program as well as screenings and assessments for employee’s individual review.
Workshops and retreats - team retreats, lunch and learns, day or multi day trainings - our staff is ready to share the latest in neuroscience information to help all members of your team to deepen their knowledge, skills and competence about these topics: communication, motivation, productivity, creativity and community building,
Coaching - We have partnered with Jenna Stenger from The Council. Jenna provides coaching for career development, sales and operations and management consulting.
Given the increased need for mental health support in all areas of our lives, Rooted Compassion Counseling and Consulting has stepped forward to support businesses and employees in healing and growth. Each human deserves to have a meaningful and fulfilling purpose to live and fulfill. Businesses only benefit from partnering with employees to accomplish shared goals.
