Supporting Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing: The Importance of an Individualized Approach

One in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year. The vast majority are of working age. Working is an important part of recovery and the key to helping people with mental health conditions succeed on the job is an inclusive, supportive workplace. Indeed, there is both a moral imperative and a business case for supporting the mental health needs of their employees. That’s because research indicates that a mentally and emotionally supported employee is more productive, has fewer absences, and experiences greater longevity on the job and higher job satisfaction overall.

The challenges of the past two years, along with general increased understanding, has prompted many employers to consider strategies to support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Implementing such strategies demonstrates an organization’s commitment to inclusion and offering all workers what they need to maintain their mental health. They also benefit employers by empowering employees to deliver their best on the job, today and in the years ahead.

Many employers understand the importance of supporting their workers’ mental health but are not sure where to start. Given that every person has their own unique mental health needs, strategies that focus on an individualized approach have been proven to be effective.

In this webinar, participants will hear the results of the "Mental Health in America: A 2022 Workplace Report" produced by the SHRM Foundation. Attendees also will learn about the critical role employers play in addressing mental health in the workplace and how a proactive, individualized approach, along with organization-wide programs to create mental health friendly workplaces can lead to a more inclusive and productive work environment for all. Topics will include:

• Effective ways to provide individualized supports for employees with mental health conditions
• Ways to normalize conversations about mental health between employees and supervisors
• Incorporating individual approaches into accommodations systems
• Examples of effective workplace mental health programs implemented by employers

Attendees will hear from the following business representatives who are using these practices:

• Toccara Briggs, ADA Team Manager, Intel
• Lori Golden, Abilities Strategy Leader, EY
• Wendi Safstrom, President, SHRM Foundation