Cost Effective Ways to Support Employee Mental Health

Learning cost effective ways to support employee mental health is more than just a compassionate move—it’s a smart business strategy. Employees who feel supported in their mental well-being are more engaged, productive, and loyal to their employer.

However, many businesses worry about the costs associated with mental health programs. The good news is that there are several cost-effective strategies to promote mental well-being in the workplace. Here are some practical steps to help your employees thrive without breaking the bank. 

Create a Culture of Open Communication 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to support mental health is to foster a culture of open communication where employees are encouraged to speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma or retribution. This can be achieved by: 

• encouraging managers to regularly check in with their team members, not just about work but also to check on their overall well-being 

• providing a way for employees to share their thoughts and concerns anonymously which can assist management understand the mental health climate of the workplace in order to mitigate any issues 

• hosting workshops or webinars that educate employees about mental health, reducing stigma, and offering tips for self-care. 

Implement Flexible Working Arrangements 

One of the most cost-effective ways to support employee mental health is to offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks so that employees can better manage their work-life balance. Flexible working arrangement can also lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. 

Encourage Breaks and Downtime 

Encouraging employees to take regular breaks or down-time can significantly improve their mental well-being. Downtime looks like: 

• encouraging employees to take a few minutes every hour to step away from their desk, stretch, or go for a short walk to help prevent stress, burnout and, in turn, increase productivity 

• designating one day a week or month as a no-meeting day to allow employees time to focus on their tasks without interruptions 

• encouraging employees to use their annual leave days and take time off when needed 

Offer Mental Health Resources 

Providing access to mental health resources doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider these cost-effective options: 

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are often available at a low cost and offer confidential counselling services and mental health support 

• collaborate with local mental health organisations or professionals to provide free or low-cost workshops, webinars, or counselling sessions 

• curate a library of articles, books, podcasts, and other resources on mental health topics that employees can access at any time. 

Promote Physical Wellness 

Encouraging physical activity and healthy habits can help improve mental well-being. Here are some low-cost ways to promote physical wellness: 

• hold walking meetings to promote physical activity, which helps reduce stress and boosts creativity 

• provide healthy snacks to promote better nutrition 

• organise simple fitness challenges, such as step competitions. 

Train Managers on Mental Health Awareness 

Managers play a critical role in supporting their teams’ mental health. Providing managers with training on how to recognise signs of mental distress and how to respond appropriately can make a big difference to employee mental health. There are many free or low-cost resources available online. 

Build a Supportive Community 

Creating a supportive workplace community can have a significant impact on mental health. Encourage team-building activities, peer support groups, and mentorship programs to help employees feel connected and supported, reducing feelings of isolation and stress. 

Remote Companies  

Remote work generally already offers flexibility, but it can also present unique challenges to employee mental health, such as feelings of isolation, difficulty setting boundaries, and reduced access to social support. In addition to the above some other cost-effective strategies specifically tailored for remote businesses include: 

• fostering virtual social interactions such as virtual coffee breaks and team-building activities 

• implementing a buddy system for regular check-ins 

• encouraging setting work-life boundaries  

• sharing ergonomic tips for comfortable home workspaces – simple practices like following the 20-20-20 rule for prolonged screen use (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds)  

Conclusion 

Supporting employee mental health doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By implementing these cost-effective strategies, you can create a workplace that fosters well-being, reduces stress, and boosts productivity. Remember, investing in your employees’ mental health is an investment in the overall health and success of your business. 

If you have questions, please reach out to Impact HR at info@impacthr.com.au or on 1300 474 672.