How do we prioritize employee mental health in the workplace? We’ve recently launched our Employee Wellness Plans and are working with non-profits, social enterprises, and other values-aligned businesses to make our platform available to their teams.
In the business world, the conversation around success often revolves around profit margins, market share, and innovation.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of prioritizing employee mental health and wellness within organizations, especially those with a mission-driven or social impact focus.
These businesses, often driven by a sense of purpose beyond just financial gain, have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support their team members through various life transitions and challenges.
When we talk about supporting employees during times of change and transition in their personal lives, it encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences, including fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, relationship changes, and the death of a loved one. These are deeply personal and emotionally challenging events that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and productivity at work.
Recognizing and addressing these challenges is not just a matter of empathy; it’s crucial for fostering a positive work environment and sustaining employee engagement and satisfaction.
According to research, the prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace is staggering. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Moreover, a report by the American Institute of Stress revealed that job-related stress is the primary source of stress for American adults, and it’s only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For mission-driven businesses, whose very existence is often tied to addressing societal challenges or promoting positive change, neglecting the mental health and well-being of their employees would be contradictory to their core values. Here’s why:
- Employee Well-being is Essential for Mission Success: Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute to the organization’s mission. Conversely, neglecting their mental health can lead to disengagement, decreased productivity, and ultimately hinder the organization’s ability to achieve its goals.
- Building a Culture of Compassion and Empathy: By prioritizing employee mental health, businesses can foster a culture of compassion and empathy. When team members feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to communicate openly about their challenges and seek help when needed. This not only benefits individual employees but also strengthens team dynamics and collaboration.
- Preventing Burnout and Turnover: Chronic stress and burnout are rampant in today’s fast-paced work environments, particularly in industries that are mission-driven and demand a high level of dedication. Supporting employee mental health is crucial for preventing burnout and reducing turnover, which can be costly and disruptive for any organization.
- Walking the Talk: Mission-driven businesses often espouse values of social responsibility and ethical leadership. However, these values must extend beyond marketing slogans and be reflected in the organization’s actions, including how they support the well-being of their employees. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee mental health reinforces the credibility of the organization’s mission and values.
In practical terms, supporting employee mental health involves implementing policies and practices that prioritize holistic well-being. This could include offering mental health resources and counseling services, flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal needs, and creating a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and rites of passage without fear of stigma or judgment.
Our Employee Wellness Plans make Be Ceremonial available to everyone on your team, including staff, contractors, freelancers, and volunteers. They can then design their own ceremonies to mark rites of passage and times of transition they’re facing, and they can draw from our Daily Rituals for Self Care to support their daily routine.
Prioritizing employee mental health and wellness is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic investment in the success and sustainability of mission-driven businesses. By recognizing the unique challenges that employees face and proactively supporting their well-being, organizations can foster a culture of resilience, empathy, and purpose that drives positive impact both within and beyond the workplace.
As leaders in the pursuit of social change, it’s time for mission-driven businesses to lead by example and prioritize the mental health of their most valuable asset—their people.
Email us to schedule a complimentary call to learn more: hello@beceremonial.com
