Mental health of employees – The most important benefit 2022
Until now, the most popular employee benefit was gym tickets. Events focused on sports and physical activities were also very popular. The last year meant that in addition to taking care of our body, we all must also take care of our mental health. Stress, frustration, and anger not only destroy our private lives. It also affects our performance at work. It is harder for us to be creative, we make worse decisions, our reflexes decline. This is a shortcut to professional burnout.
Do employees want better mental health benefits?
The answer is clear: YES! Forrester Research conducted a study that showed that “Seventy-nine percent of non-managers and 81 percent of managers said, “they would be more likely to stay with a company that provides me with high-quality resources to care for my mental health.” For employees aged 18 to 29, this figure has risen to 86%. And 19% of non-managers and 36% of managers said that poor mental health support from employers during the pandemic is now prompting them to consider leaving.”
So the research shows that yes. In addition, the younger the employees, living in a greater culture of openness, the more they express their needs aloud. Which does not mean that the elders need less.
What are the challenges facing employees and managers?
Employees
Some employees have been working remotely for a very short time. Sometimes for the first time. During the last year, they have had fears. Does my boss know I’m delivering? Are you sure he is satisfied with me? How can I show him that I am giving my best? During worse moments, there is a feeling of guilt and confusion. Sometimes, to prove that they are getting the job done, they try to do more than usual. They burden themselves with more responsibilities. Increasing after a long time makes us unable to fulfill everything that leads to frustration and disappointment.
Managers
Managers have the same or worse. In addition to all the uncertainties that rank and file employees have, there is also a responsibility for the team. Lots of questions. How can I help my team members? How to make their performance better without putting unhealthy pressure on them? What if I notice apathy, nervousness, stress? How to make them feel comfortable and not be their therapist at the same time?
What kind of mental support you can give as a company?
You can do this in many ways. Below you can find examples of how companies are trying to support the mental health of their employees.
- Hire a psychologist with whom employees can chat while working
- Offer extra days off to people in need
- Organize stress management workouts or courses
- Stay alert and see if unequal treatment arises
- Promote a healthy lifestyle
These are just a few suggestions, you can try to implement one of them and see if it will benefit your people. The best you can do is ask them anonymously what is best for them. There is nothing worse than solutions that nobody really wants.
