Here’s how to support stressed employees’ mental health.
By Dena Trujillo
Many people in the U.S. are feeling stressed about their finances and jobs.
A recent report by Crisis Text Line — a 24/7, nationwide, text-based mental health and crisis support service and a Real Leaders Top Impact Company — found that 2023 was a year of anxiety and stress for texters. Over one in three texters mentioned these topics. The American Psychological Association also reports similar findings for 2023. Even though Americans have mostly returned to their routines, many are recovering from the collective trauma of the past few years.
While there were many stressful events in 2023, when texters discussed anxiety and stress, they typically focused on issues related to their immediate circumstances: relationships to family and friends and stressors at school and work. Many worried about work, paying bills, or being laid off.
2023 was a year of strikes and layoffs — and another year of paying for medical bills, childcare, mortgages, and other financial pressures. Your employees might be stressed — in general or about their future at the company, their performance, their benefits, or their relationships to coworkers.
If you are leading a company, you are in a powerful position to mitigate stress for employees. With their centralized policies and communication, workplaces are well-positioned to make an impact for better mental health. Unfortunately, although employers believe they foster a supportive workplace, according to a 2018 CDC study, U.S. workers feel their companies are falling short of providing the right resources to support their mental health.
Take a moment to evaluate how you are supporting your employees’ mental health.
The Milken Institute provides guidance for employers to evaluate gaps and set priorities to make mental health for workers accessible and stigma-free. It suggests that employers focus on three priority areas: psychological safety, stigma, and performance and engagement. Providing volunteer opportunities can contribute to better mental health outcomes. In a recent study of Crisis Text Line volunteers, two-thirds of crisis counselors took better care of their mental health as a result of volunteering.
The expectation for people to simply get over their stress and mental health challenges is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to their well-being. By recognizing the importance of mental health, encouraging open dialogue in the workplace, and promoting the value of seeking help, we can create a more supportive and understanding society. Remember, it’s OK to ask for help, and everyone deserves the support they need to thrive.
