How to Create a Workplace Culture That Prioritises Mental Health and Retention

The article emphasises the need for a proactive effort by employers to create a supportive workplace culture that values and supports in managing employees' mental health. It explores the importance of open communication, providing mental health resources, work-life balance, a positive work environment, professional development, addressing workplace stressors, supporting employees during transitions, and taking action to address mental health stigma. 

In recent years, mental health has become an increasingly important topic of discussion in the workplace. Creating a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and retention is no easy task. It requires a concerted effort on the part of the organisation to not only acknowledge the importance of mental health but also to take concrete steps to support employees’ mental well-being. 

At Amaha, we understand the critical importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace. We believe that creating a supportive and inclusive work environment benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole. Below, we’ll explore some of the key strategies for creating such a workplace culture.

Creating Safe Circles

Safe circles are spaces where employees can openly express their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without fear of judgment. These can be facilitated through support groups, peer-to-peer mentorship programs, or dedicated forums. By fostering safe circles, employees can find solace in sharing their experiences, seeking advice, and building connections with others who may have similar struggles. This sense of belonging and support contributes to enhanced mental well-being and increased employee retention.

Empowering Employees with Self-Help Resources

Providing self-help resources is an essential component of managing employees' mental health. This can include access to articles, books, podcasts, or online courses that focus on self-care, stress management, resilience, and personal growth. By equipping employees with these resources, organisations empower individuals to take ownership of their mental health and develop valuable coping strategies. Offering a comprehensive range of self-help resources demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and retention.

Building a Comprehensive System for Mental Health Care

At Amaha, we have created a system of care that encompasses various aspects of mental well-being. This includes incorporating self-care practices such as mood tracking and journaling. Encouraging employees to track their moods and emotions allows for greater self-awareness and identification of triggers or patterns. Journaling, on the other hand, provides a personal outlet for reflection, gratitude, and processing emotions. By integrating these practices into the workplace culture, organisations foster mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

Adopting a Personalised Approached to Mental Health Care

Recognising the importance of nuance in mental health support, organisations can offer a range of interventions tailored to individual needs. This can involve providing access to therapy sessions, counselling services, mindfulness workshops, or stress management programmes. By offering a variety of resources and interventions, employees have the opportunity to find approaches that resonate with them personally, promoting a holistic and personalised approach to mental health support.

Promoting  Open Communication

One of the most important aspects of creating a workplace culture that prioritises in managing employees' mental health is promoting open communication. Employees should feel comfortable talking about their mental health issues with their managers or HR representatives, without fear of negative repercussions. Employers can encourage open communication by creating a culture that values transparency and honesty, and by training managers to recognise and respond appropriately to employees’ mental health concerns.

Encouraging Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining good mental health. Employers can encourage work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, and by setting clear boundaries around work expectations. Managers should also lead by example by modelling healthy work-life balance practises themselves.

Addressing Workplace Stressors

Workplace stress is a major contributor to poor mental health. Employers can address workplace stressors by identifying and addressing the root causes of stress in the workplace. This can include implementing policies and procedures to manage workload and deadlines, improving communication and collaboration, and offering stress-management resources like mindfulness training or yoga classes.

Supporting Employees During Transitions

Transitions like promotions, job changes, or other major life events can be stressful for employees and can impact their mental health. Employers can support employees during these transitions by providing resources like career coaching, training, or counselling and by offering flexible work arrangements to help employees manage their transition period.

Addressing Mental Health Stigma

The stigma around mental health issues is a major barrier to creating a workplace culture that prioritises mental health. Employers can take action to address mental health stigma by providing education and training to managers and employees, and by creating a culture that values and supports employees’ mental health.

Creating a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and retention requires a multifaceted approach. Amaha’s Employee Well-Being Programme provides a comprehensive system of managing employees' mental health care, with an umbrella of services, clinically valid tools, and expert-curated resources for the mental well-being of your workforce. 

We are here to help you create a culture of wellness at your workplace, one every individual can thrive. 

For comprehensive mental health support for your workforce, explore our services in our Employee Well-being Programme.