Why Good Mental Health is Good for Business
Today’s workplaces are grappling with burnout, high turnover, post-pandemic fatigue and stress. These challenges aren’t just personal, they’re organizational. Employers have a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating an environment where mental health is not only acknowledged but actively supported.
When leadership prioritizes mental wellness, employees feel safer speaking up and seeking help. While it’s important for staff to bring their best to work, that is only possible when their mental, emotional and physical well-being are protected. Passion and productivity thrive in healthy environments. They can deteriorate when stress and burnout go unchecked.
A Harvard Business Review study confirms that a mentally healthy workforce is good for business. Prioritizing mental health boosts productivity, aids in retention and recruitment, reduces absenteeism and improves workplace culture. These outcomes are directly shaped by leadership decisions.
To truly support employee mental health, organizations have options to help balance achievement and sustainability. Here are five impactful steps leaders can take:
- Normalize conversations about mental health: Create safe spaces for open dialogue and encourage vulnerability without judgement.
- Train managers to recognize signs of distress: Equip leaders with tools to identify and respond to mental health concerns early.
- Promote work-life balance and reasonable expectations: Set realistic expectations and encourage boundaries that protect personal time.
- Partner with local behavioral health providers: Offer access to professional support, including culturally relevant care.
- Actively share mental health resources: Make resources visible and accessible instead of hiding them in HR portals.
At Oneida Behavioral Health, we champion mental health and well-being, because they make our community stronger. Good mental health doesn’t just make an individual stronger, it makes our workplace teams and community stronger and more resilient.
To learn more about Oneida Behavioral Health, visit https://oneida-nsn.gov/resources/health/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-welcome/.
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