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10 Strategies for Business Owners to Support Mental Health
by Adam Torkildson
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August 18, 2024
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Support Mental Health

In a world where the grind never stops, safeguarding the mental oasis of your workforce is not just an act of kindness—it's a strategic masterstroke for any savvy business owner. 

Entrepreneurs are the architects of workplace culture, with the power to weave mental wellness into the very fabric of their organizations; this isn't just about ticking boxes - it's about sparking a revolution in productivity, minimizing absenteeism, and infusing the air with positivity. Ready to be a trailblazer? Here's how you can champion mental health in your empire.

1. Foster an Open and Inclusive Environment

Encourage open dialogue about mental health by destigmatizing mental health issues within the workplace. This can be achieved through regular communication, workshops, and seminars that educate and raise awareness about mental health; creating an environment where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions is essential.

"Creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and destigmatized is crucial for a healthy workplace. It's about making everyone feel seen and supported, regardless of what they're going through," says Elvis Rosales, LCSW, Clinical Director at Align Recovery Centers.

2. Implement Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexibility in work arrangements can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Consider offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and compressed workweeks; these gestures not only accommodate different working styles and personal obligations, but also demonstrates trust in your employees, leading to increased loyalty and job satisfaction.

3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Make mental health resources readily available to your employees. This could include access to counseling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health days, and online resources or apps that offer support for mental health such as self care checklist; providing financial support for therapy or counseling can also make a substantial difference.

Carlos Escobar, LMHC and Clinical Director at Real Recovery, highlights, "Accessibility to mental health resources is a game-changer for employees; it's about giving them the tools they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges, empowering them to perform at their best."

4. Encourage Regular Breaks and Time Off

Photo by Redd F on Unsplash

Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day and to utilize their vacation time; continuous work without adequate breaks can lead to burnout and mental fatigue, and promoting a balance between work and personal life can be (quite literally) crucial for mental well-being.

Dr. Michael Kane, Chief Medical Officer at the Indiana Center for Recovery, advises, "Regular breaks and proper time off are not just beneficial; they're essential for mental health. They allow individuals to recharge and return to work with renewed energy and perspective, preventing burnout before it starts."

5. Offer Mental Health Training for Managers

Train managers and supervisors on how to recognize signs of mental health issues and how to approach and support employees who may be struggling. Effective training should also cover how to create a supportive team environment and how to encourage employees to seek help when needed.

6. Promote Physical Health

Physical health has a direct impact on mental health. Encourage physical activity by offering gym memberships, organizing team sports, or setting up walking meetings; providing healthy food options at work can also contribute to overall well-being.

7. Establish a Peer Support Program

Peer support programs can provide a valuable outlet for employees to share their experiences and support each other in a more informal setting; these programs can be facilitated through training peer support volunteers who are knowledgeable about mental health resources and support mechanisms.

8. Recognize and Reward Contributions

Recognizing and rewarding the hard work and contributions of employees can boost morale and self-esteem. Regularly acknowledge achievements, whether through formal awards, shout-outs in team meetings, or simple thank-you notes.

9. Conduct Regular Well-being Check-ins

Photo by Des Récits on Unsplash

Regular check-ins can help managers stay informed about their team members' well-being and identify any issues early on. These check-ins should be conducted in a supportive and non-intrusive manner, focusing on the employee's overall well-being rather than just their work performance.

10. Lead by Example

Finally, business owners and senior leaders should lead by example; demonstrating a commitment to work-life balance, seeking support when needed, and openly discussing mental health can all set a powerful example for the entire organization.

It's a Win-Win

Embracing these game-changing strategies is a no-brainer for any entrepreneur looking to transform their work world into a space of abundant support and health consciousness - somewhere both employees and the enterprise can simultaneously flourish. This journey towards mental wellness isn’t about hitting a milestone and calling it a day - it's a continuous quest; it calls for unwavering commitment, the agility to pivot, and an openness to the shifting tides of your team's needs. 

 

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About the author
Adam Torkildson
Adam Torkildson
Adam is a long-time resident of American Fork, UT. He serves in several local service organizations and advises several startups that he's invested in or founded.
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