How HR can help employees with mental health in uncertain economic times

The economy might be hanging in there, but fluctuations like rising interest rates are putting stress on various businesses. Such uncertainty can be detrimental to the mental well-being of employees, notably in sectors most vulnerable to economic instabilities. If you're in Human Resources, you're already committed to your employees' welfare. With that in mind, here are some refined strategies with actionable items to help your employees navigate the mental strains of uncertain economic times.

Be Proactive

Instead of waiting for employees to bring up their mental health issues, take the initiative to engage with them about their well-being.

Actionable Items:

Schedule bi-weekly or monthly one-on-one check-ins with employees specifically to discuss well-being.

Conduct anonymous surveys to gauge the general state of mental health within your team or organization.

Create a Culture of Openness and Support

Ensure that the workplace fosters a culture where it's not just permissible but encouraged to discuss mental health.

Actionable Items:

Organize quarterly workshops focusing on stress management and mental health, featuring experts in the field.

Establish an internal chat or forum dedicated to well-being and mental health topics, so employees can share tips and support each other.

Offer Resources and Support

Employees should have easy access to resources that can guide them in handling stress and other mental health concerns.

Actionable Items:

Introduce or highlight the availability of an Employee Assistance Program that offers therapy sessions or counseling.

Incorporate a dedicated "Mental Health Resources" section within the company intranet or newsletter.

Be Flexible

In times of heightened stress, flexibility in work arrangements can be a big relief to employees.

Actionable Items:

Allow flexible work hours or remote work options for employees dealing with high stress levels.

Develop a clear yet flexible policy for taking short-notice mental health days.

Empower Employees

Give employees a sense of control in their work life, which can serve as a counterweight to external uncertainties.

Actionable Items:

Involve employees in decision-making processes that impact their day-to-day tasks.

Offer training sessions on skillsets like time management or effective communication to empower employees further.

Normalize the Conversation About Mental Health

Ensure that mental health is a topic people feel comfortable talking about openly.

Actionable Items:

Share stories or testimonials about mental health—while maintaining anonymity—to help normalize the conversation.

Designate a Mental Health Awareness Month filled with activities that help to remove stigma and foster dialogue.

Encourage Employees to Take Care of Themselves

Encourage physical health as a pathway to mental well-being.

Actionable Items:

Offer subsidized gym memberships or set up a corporate wellness program.

Disseminate a weekly newsletter focused on holistic health including tips on sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Promote a Positive Work Environment

A positive work atmosphere can have a dramatic effect on employee well-being.

Actionable Items:

Launch a peer recognition program for employees to compliment one another’s achievements.

Engage the team in periodic team-building exercises aimed at fostering positive collaboration.

Be Patient and Understanding

Recognize that adjustments to economic uncertainties can take time and require different coping mechanisms for different individuals.

Actionable Items:

Train managers and team leaders in empathy and active listening skills.

Establish an anonymous feedback mechanism for employees to express their experiences and suggest improvements.

By implementing these actionable items, you're not just paying lip service to supporting employee mental health—you're actively participating in their well-being. And always remember, you're not alone in this endeavour; your entire organization plays a part in nurturing a mentally healthy work environment.