As a business, adding your employees mental health to your list of priorities could be crucial to your success. Not only does it express to your employees that you care about their wellbeing, but this will also ensure that your workforce feels supported and will reflect positively in their work.

1. Reduce absenteeism 

Poor mental health is a common reason why employees may need to take time off work. Through investing in your employees mental health, you can reduce the number of days that your employees may need to take off as sick leave, as this time off can put a strain on your business and impact its success. 

2. Retains staff

If your employees feel supported by your business, they are less likely to leave due to mental health issues or strains. Staff turnover can be extremely costly, due to hiring costs, onboarding and training. Therefore, it is important to create a positive environment in the workplace to encourage staff loyalty.

3. Sets good reputation for the company

If your employees are extremely unhappy due to work related issues, then this can become damaging for your workplace reputation. Word can spread that your company doesn’t care for the people who work so hard for its success, and this could potentially prevent future clients or employees from choosing to interact with your business. 

4. Good mental health boosts productivity

Mental health issues can result in a lack of concentration, a breakdown in communication and can have a negative impact on productivity. Therefore, it is important to ensure your employees feel supported so their capabilities and skills are not affected.

So, you may now be asking what I should do to invest in my work force’s mental health? Well, we’ve made it as simple as we can for you, and summarised in three points changes you can start to implement today. 

The first step, create a culture where employees feel that they can openly express their feelings. Speaking out is often the first step to tackle any worries or strains. An easy way to begin is by asking your employees after any meetings to share how they are feeling or what concerns they may have. Soon, they will feel that they can speak to either yourself or another member of staff openly about how they feel, and that their concerns are heard in return. 

Secondly, if you are aware that one of your employees may be having a particularly stressful time, or you have noticed that their productivity has started to slip, take the time to privately check-in on them – we can guarantee that they would appreciate your concern. 

Finally, try to incorporate into your financial plans a mental health fund, so you can offer professional support for those employees you feel may need or benefit from it. After all, if you prove to your workforce you truly care for their wellbeing, research has shown that this will be repaid through loyalty and positive results.