May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness of the importance of mental wellness. According to a 2021 survey report from Mind Shares Partners, 84% of participants said their workplace conditions had contributed to at least one mental health challenge.

A key to employee retention is prioritizing work-life balance and the mental well-being of your employees. Implement the following strategies to create a positive work environment that sets all up for long-term success.

1. Create a safe, inclusive culture that empowers your employees.

Whether you’re working in a remote, hybrid, or in-office environment, employees should feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work.

Ways to foster an inclusive culture:

• Keep lines of communication open through regular check-ins and feedback surveys.
• Create opportunities for employees to connect. This tactic is especially important in remote work environments where employees are more likely to feel isolated.
• Celebrate big and small wins to ensure all employees feel appreciated for their efforts.
• Encourage work-life balance. Establish clear expectations, set boundaries and lead by example.
• Offer professional development opportunities to help employees expand their skillsets and grow their confidence.

2. Provide access to a variety of mental health resources.

Support your employees by offering tools and resources to help them manage their mental health and make sure all team members are aware of what’s available to them. Examples of these resources could include:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid mental health days
• Wellness workshops/webinars
• Access to digital resources or mobile apps

3. Train managers to recognize signs of poor mental health.

Managers play an important role in crafting an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns and seeking help if they’re struggling. Ensure all managers are trained to recognize signs of burnout or poor mental health in their direct reports.

Employees are more likely to stay in an environment where they can thrive as their best selves. Use these strategies to reduce turnover and improve overall productivity at your company.

Supporting employee mental health is a key component of your employer brand. Need help developing yours? Partner with Markstein to experience our award-winning workforce solutions.