From Awareness to Action: Building Mental Wellbeing at Work
Remember the days when conversations about mental health were hushed whispers? We do. Thankfully, the world is changing. World Mental Health Day reminds us of the progress we’ve made in bringing these conversations to light—and how vital they are. From social media movements to corporate wellness programs, we’re finally creating space to talk openly about mental health.
Awareness paves the way for progress, and together, we can take meaningful steps forward. At LifeSpeak, we’re committed to providing the tools and resources that make building a culture of mental wellbeing at work an achievable goal for every organization.
To help, we’ve asked our LifeSpeak experts to share some practical ways to make mental health a daily priority in your workplace.
The state of workplace mental health
The numbers paint a clear picture: The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion USD each year in lost productivity. And it’s not just about the bottom line. This year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a stark warning about the alarming rise in parental stress and its impact on the workforce. When we support employee wellbeing, including the unique needs of caregivers, everyone benefits. This results in higher productivity, deeper engagement, and, ultimately, organizations with a strong foundation to build on.
“When [mental wellbeing] is at the core of the workplace culture, employees know they’re valued not just for their work but for who they are.“
Building mental wellbeing at work
A workplace that champions mental wellbeing creates a team that is more engaged, innovative, and adaptable. When it’s at the core of the workplace culture, employees know they’re valued not just for their work but for who they are. This creates an environment where mental health is a daily priority, not a last-minute fix, ensuring consistent support and long-term wellbeing.
Here are a few impactful ways to foster a mentally healthy and supportive work environment:
Expanding Support Beyond Traditional EAPs
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are valuable for providing support in times of crisis and offering employees help when urgent situations arise. However, it’s equally important to have resources that focus on prevention and ongoing support to address challenges before they escalate.
For example, while someone might call their EAP for help during a mental health crisis, LifeSpeak Mental Health & Resilience offers continuous education, resources, and access to experts to help individuals better understand and manage their mental health on a daily basis. This proactive approach helps employees build resilience and maintain their wellbeing, reducing the likelihood of crises.
By combining the immediate, crisis-focused support of EAPs with LifeSpeak’s preventative, always-on resources, organizations can ensure employees receive comprehensive care that addresses both urgent needs and long-term wellbeing.
Empowering managers as mental health allies
Managers play a unique and essential role in supporting their teams’ mental wellbeing. They have a direct line of sight into their team’s daily work lives and are often the first to notice signs of stress, burnout, or mental health challenges. Equipping managers with the tools to recognize these signs and offer appropriate support can make a significant difference in fostering a positive work environment.
As LifeSpeak expert Dr. Jo Yarker, PhD, Director of Affinity Health at Work, explains in a LifeSpeak resource, “Why managing mental health is a key part of a manager’s role,” that while managers don’t need to be mental health experts, they are often “gatekeepers” who influence their teams’ exposure to stressors, such as workload and workplace demands. Dr. Yarker emphasizes that managers are crucial in creating an environment where employees feel supported and safe. By building their confidence and awareness, managers can help employees thrive, even through difficult times, without needing to provide all the answers themselves.
“While managers don’t need to be mental health experts, they are often “gatekeepers” who influence their teams’ exposure to stressors, such as workload and workplace demands.“
Breaking down stigma, building up openness
Encouraging open communication, providing safe spaces for sharing, and recognizing vulnerability as a strength can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. LifeSpeak expert Dr. Ghayda Hassan, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, explores this in the video ‘How to avoid stigmatizing mental health at work’, “struggling with a mental health issue can make a person more vulnerable to stigmatization… but mental health stigma can also be very harmful to the workplace, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and high turnover.” Dr. Hassan emphasizes that addressing mental health stigma is crucial for building a more stable and productive work environment. This can be achieved by creating clear policies that promote psychological safety and educating employees on the harmful effects of stigmatizing language and behaviors.
Making work-life balance non-negotiable
Burnout affects everyone. Supporting work-life balance by encouraging employees to disconnect after work, offering flexible schedules, and promoting manageable workloads can help prevent it. LifeSpeak expert Dr. Michelle McQuaid, best-selling author and workplace wellbeing expert, emphasizes that setting “clear and kind boundaries” is crucial for avoiding burnout. In the article 3 Ways To Disconnect From Work, she shares that boundaries not only protect personal time but also prevent the “obsessive passion” that makes it hard to switch off from work. By encouraging employees to schedule breaks and engage in hobbies outside of work, organizations can foster a healthier, more balanced approach to work-life integration.
Cultivating a true sense of belonging
Social connection is essential for wellbeing. Creating opportunities for colleagues to connect on a personal level, build supportive relationships, and foster a sense of community within the workplace can make all the difference. As LifeSpeak expert Dr. Reena Kotecha, MD and Organizational Consultant, explains in her video Why High-Quality Connections at Work Matter, meaningful interpersonal relationships are often overlooked in the workplace but are critical to both employee wellbeing and organizational success.
Dr. Kotecha highlights that employees spend an average of 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, and without strong relationships, this time can feel isolating. She points out that “the more connected we are as colleagues, the more efficient our workplaces will be,” emphasizing that improving social connection directly impacts creativity, collaboration, and overall productivity. Simple actions—like checking in with a teammate or grabbing a coffee with a colleague—can foster these connections and contribute to a stronger sense of belonging.
By embracing these steps, organizations can move beyond reactive measures and create workplaces where mental health is valued, supported, and nurtured every day of the year.
Empowering employees: Taking charge of wellbeing, one step at a time
Organizational support is essential, but let’s also empower employees to become active participants in their own wellbeing journey. Here are a few practical tips they can incorporate into their daily lives:
- Stress management techniques: Explore the power of mindfulness, exercise, or other practices that resonate with them.
- Healthy boundaries: Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial to prevent burnout and protect their mental space.
- Building resilience: Developing positive coping mechanisms helps us navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
- Seeking professional help: Seeking professional help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s normalize this important step.
Remember, accessible and engaging resources play a crucial role in supporting employee wellbeing. LifeSpeak’s digital-first wellbeing solutions offer a range of expert-led resources designed to meet people exactly where they are—whether it’s through stress management, resilience training, or practical advice on work-life balance.
World Mental Health Day is a powerful reminder that prioritizing mental wellbeing is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It’s about celebrating the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work still to be done. Creating mentally healthy workplaces and communities requires a collective effort. Employers, employees, and organizations must work together to foster a culture where mental health is valued and supported. When we prioritize mental wellbeing, everyone benefits. Individuals thrive, workplaces flourish, and communities become stronger and more resilient.
Ready to create a workplace where your employees feel seen, heard, and supported?