Supporting employees' mental health: A guide for HR leaders

Mental health is a pivotal component of overall well-being, contributing significantly to a person's quality of life. However, rates of depression and anxiety have risen to a level that is hard to ignore, with 90% of Americans reporting they believe the country is in a  mental health crisis. Despite this, most Americans feel the U.S. healthcare system places more importance on physical health, despite the widespread view that mental health is equally as important.

With the average person spending a third of their life at work, employers must recognize the relationship between work and well-being. 76% of U.S. workers report at least one symptom of a mental health condition and 84% state their workplace has contributed to the mental health challenges they have faced. 

Many employees also face unique mental health challenges as they start and raise their families. Working parents feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children, experience anxiety about missed work obligations, and suffer from sleep deprivation, especially when they have younger children. Over 90% of people experiencing infertility say that it affects their mental health, with 70% reporting it adversely affects their work life.

Now more than ever, HR leaders have a key role in promoting mental health at work by implementing robust mental health support for employees. Aside from improving employees' lives, good mental health across your workforce has tangible business benefits, such as improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a more positive workplace culture. 

Understanding the need for mental health support in the workplace

To support mental health within any organization, it's crucial to understand the prevalence of mental health issues within the general population, as well as the mental health needs of individual employees.

Why it matters

The need for mental health support in the workplace becomes blindingly apparent when faced with recent statistics.

• At least 60% of the American workforce say they are moderately burnt out, rising to 66% for working parents.
• 20% feel lonelier or more isolated than before.
• Approximately 19% of postpartum women experience a major depressive episode within the first three months after giving birth.
• Between 5–10% of fathers experience perinatal depression. 
• 86% of menopausal women suffer from mental health issues.
• 25% to 60% of infertile individuals report psychiatric symptoms.

These insights should prompt action from any company's leaders, but choosing to prioritize workplace mental health yields additional organizational advantages:

• Healthier employees demonstrate higher levels of commitment.
• 81% of workers state they'll look for workplaces that support mental health in the future, making mental health support strategies an important talent acquisition tool.
• Workplaces that promote good mental health are more likely to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism and increase worker productivity.

Signs employees might need help

It isn't always easy to recognize the signs that someone is suffering with their mental health at work. Mental health symptoms can often be subtle, and one in four employees suffer in silence. 

Indicators that an employee may be dealing with mental health issues include:

• Uncharacteristic behavioral changes
• Lost productivity or reduced work performance
• Increased absences
• Low levels of engagement
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Changes to eating, working, and/or sleeping patterns
• Irrational fears or paranoia
• Changes to personal appearance
• Substance abuse/misuse
• Signs of self-harm

Key components of a mental health support strategy

Supporting mental health at work requires a proactive, inclusive, and compassionate approach. By implementing strategies that address awareness, flexibility, self-care, and empathy, businesses can create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.

Normalizing conversations around mental health

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health begins with open dialogue, and organizations must train managers to discuss mental health confidently and empathetically and make mental health training mandatory for all employees.

Hosting awareness campaigns or events can foster understanding and normalize these conversations. For example, 'Mental Health Month' initiatives or regular webinars can provide a platform for education and discussion.

About half of workers are worried about talking about their mental health opening with coworkers or supervisors. However, if you make mental health part of everyday workplace conversation, employees are more likely to seek help when needed.

Offering flexible benefits, especially for those starting and raising families

Flexible mental health benefits tailored to life's challenges can significantly impact employees' mental health. Over 90% of American workers say that employer-sponsored mental health coverage is, or would be important, for a positive workplace culture.

Ensure that all workers are aware of and understand how to use their employee assistance program and any other available resources included in their benefits package, such as mindfulness apps or education materials on particular mental health conditions.

Consider the unique needs of employees navigating major life transitions—whether starting a family, raising children, or experiencing menopause—and ensure your support systems cater to these stages.

Proactive benefits, like extended paid parental leave and access to mental health professionals specializing in supporting those navigating their reproductive health, can ease emotional distress and enhance overall well-being.

Providing tools for self-care

66% of workers do not feel their work environment allows them to undertake self-care—despite it being a crucial aspect of mental health support. Provide access to meditation platforms, offer workshops on stress reduction and mental health awareness, and implement wellness programs.

Promote the use of mental health days and employees taking all of their vacation time, enabling them to prioritize their well-being. When employers actively support self-care, they send a powerful message that taking time to recharge is not just acceptable but encouraged.

Building a culture of empathy

Empathy in the workplace is foundational for mental health support and 89% of employees believe that employers with programs in place to address mental health are more empathetic.

Train leadership to cultivate and model empathetic behavior, showing employees that their struggles are understood and respected. Sharing real stories or testimonials from team members can also humanize mental health topics and foster an environment of trust. A workplace grounded in empathy builds connections and helps employees feel safe seeking support.

The role of technology in supporting employee mental health

Technology is transforming how workplaces approach mental health, offering innovative solutions to provide care, monitor well-being, and foster a culture of support. Many employers are integrating tech tools into their strategies to enhance accessibility and gain valuable insights into employees’ needs.

Telehealth for mental health support

Telehealth provides convenient access to mental health resources, making it easier for employees to seek support. Virtual therapy and counseling sessions eliminate barriers like commuting or time constraints, ensuring employees can prioritize mental health.

Partnering with platforms like Maven Clinic allows businesses to offer seamless, confidential physical and mental health care tailored to those starting and raising their families, no matter their location. Our members can book same-day appointments with providers, with 33% of Maternity members reporting they benefited from improved mental health support.

Measuring impact through technology

Technology also empowers employers to assess mental health initiatives effectively. Tools like employee surveys and data dashboards provide insights into overall well-being and program effectiveness. By tracking metrics such as stress levels, engagement, and usage of resources, organizations can adapt their strategies to better meet employees’ mental health needs and drive meaningful improvements.

HR leaders’ role in championing mental health

HR leaders have a crucial job in creating a workplace culture that prioritizes employee mental health. By advocating for change, educating employees, and continuously improving initiatives, they can ensure workplace mental health remains a core organizational value.

Be the advocate: HR leaders must champion mental health as a business priority, securing leadership buy-in for initiatives that support employee well-being. By presenting the tangible benefits—like improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher retention—they can highlight mental health as essential to business success, not just an optional add-on.

Educate the workforce: To reduce stigma, start with education. HR leaders should regularly share resources and host training sessions to equip managers and employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize and address mental health challenges. Proactive education fosters a supportive, informed workforce where employees feel empowered to seek help.

Monitor and iterate: A successful mental health strategy is dynamic. HR leaders should implement feedback loops, such as anonymous surveys or focus groups, to identify what’s working and what needs adjustment. Setting clear KPIs, like participation rates or satisfaction scores, ensures programs remain impactful and aligned with employees' evolving needs.

Resources for employees who may need additional mental health support

Mental health resources are a great way to raise awareness and support employees, but they need to be tailored to individual circumstances and employee demographics. Maven's Family Benefits Resource Hub has a wealth of information that managers can share with employees, including:

• Menopause and your mental health
• How Black parents-to-be can support their mental health during pregnancy
• How to protect your mental health as an LGBTQIA+ person going through fertility treatments

Building a healthier, more resilient workforce with Maven

Focusing on mental health in the workplace is more than a compassionate act—it’s a smart, long-term investment in your organization’s success. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, HR leaders have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. Assessing current mental health strategies, listening to employees’ needs, and exploring partnerships with expert organizations like Maven Clinic can help build a workplace that values well-being as much as productivity.

By taking decisive steps today, HR leaders can create supportive environments where employees thrive, businesses flourish, and mental health becomes an integral part of workplace culture. To find out how Maven can be part of your employee mental health strategy, book a demo today.