Mental Health at Work Matters Employees want workplaces that are - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Employees want workplaces that are stable, supportive, and less stressful. Employers want employees who are engaged, productive, and loyal. By implementing policies and practices that support employee well-being, employers can achieve the distinct but complementary goals of both employees and the

• rganization.

In recent years, many employers have implemented “workplace wellness” initiatives in an attempt to attract and retain employees, increase engagement, and reduce health care costs. However, while perks can contribute to wellness, they are only part of a larger set of factors that lead to loyal and engaged employees.

Mental Health at Work Matters

About 1 in 5 employees will experience a mental health condition each year, but given the right resources, 5 in 5 employees benefit from a supportive and psychologically safe workplace. Mental Health America's survey data show that mentally healthy workers are happier, more productive, and more loyal. Employers who value mental health retain employees, have lower absenteeism, and enjoy lower health care costs.

For 1 in 5 and 5 in 5

Introducing the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a certification program that recognizes employers who are committed to creating mentally health workplaces. The Bell Seal is modeled after the MHA Bell of Hope, a symbol of mental health since 1953. Cast from the chains of individuals once locked in state hospitals, the MHA bell resonates deeply with those who care about and support mental health.

A workplace can aspire to four levels of Bell Seal Certification:

Bell Seal certified organizations are recognized nationwide as workplaces that value and strive for mentally healthy work environments for all employees. Through the certification process, employers will have the opportunity to discuss the relationship between mental health and the following goals: Attract potential employees and increase retention; Improve employee engagement and productivity; Reduce health care costs and lost revenue as a result of poor workplace mental health; Address concerns with presenteeism and absenteeism; Reduce the rate of employee turnover; and Identify gaps and learn about resources to support employee mental health.

Why Become Bell Seal Certified?

• 1. Workplace Culture
• 2. Health Insurance & Benefits
• 3. Employee Perks & Programs
• 4. Legal & Ethical Compliance
• 5. Leadership & Community

Engagement

After 40 years of research, MHA identified five categories to assess workplace mental health. An employer will be evaluated—and certification ultimately determined by—five categories:

Five Categories for Evaluation

Measured Approach to Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace The employer takes a measured approach to learning about and addressing concerns at work that contribute to an increased risk for workplace stress, burnout, and mental illness. Team to Promote and Improve Employee Mental Health The employer has a designated team or individual to identify and address concerns with workplace culture and promote mental health awareness, education, and available resources to all employees. Mental Health Awareness & Training The employer has a strategy to promote mental health awareness, education, and resources among supervisors and employees. Fair Management & Employee Professional Growth The employer has a strategy to promote fair and effective management practices and provides employees opportunities for professional growth.

Workplace Culture

01

The employer offers generous health insurance and other benefits that support mental health in four areas:

Health Insurance & Benefits

02

Health Insurance Paid Time Off Disability Benefits & Wage Coverage Employee Assistance Program

As a complement to benefits, the employer offers perks and programs that support employee well-being such as flexible work arrangements, professional development, and peer support programs.

Employee Perks & Programs

03

The employer implements preventative policies and practices that create a workplace culture where employees are encouraged and feel safe to ask for help. The employer ensures that employees understand their rights under federal and state regulations, and Human Resources and supervisors are equipped to address these concerns.

Legal & Ethical Compliance

04

Workplace leadership is publicly and internally committed to engaging their employees and community around mental health. Workplace leadership demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive work environment where employees of all identities feel valued and represented.

Leadership & Community Engagement

05

For more information, contact Taylor Adams at workplace@mhanational.org

Apply now at mhanational.org/BestEmployers