TRIMEDX Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer Dawn Griffin recently contributed an article to Medical Device News Magazine and 24x7 Magazine about how to foster a happier, healthier workforce by prioritizing mental wellness. The full article, as it appeared on Dec. 4, 2024, is below.
Organizations that prioritize employee mental wellness foster a happier, healthier workforce that is more engaged, resilient, and productive. Acknowledging mental wellness is one of the ways a company can show it values its employees’ overall wellbeing, which helps to attract and retain top talent.
A 2023 American Psychology Association (APA) survey found 92% of people said it is very or somewhat important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
By supporting mental wellness, companies can reduce absenteeism, lower turnover rates, and create a more positive work environment.
Acknowledgement and accessibility
TRIMEDX, which has recently been recognized as 30th most inspiring workplace globally and one of Achievers’ most engaged workplaces, has found the first step in supporting employee mental wellness is simply acknowledgement. According to a MindShare Partners survey, 76% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. 84% of respondents said their workplace conditions had contributed to at least one mental health challenge.
Organizations that recognize that mental health issues exist and provide resources to assist employees, rather than ignoring or minimizing them, help reduce the stigma and allow employees to feel more secure in knowing their employer cares about their overall wellbeing.
Organizations seeking to prioritize the mental wellness of their employees need to provide resources to help them. Integrating mental health into the broader framework of well-being resources—including physical and financial wellness provides an opportunity to normalize mental health.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), educational workshops, and partnerships with health plans are all ways to offer employees direct avenues to seek support. It’s vital these resources are easily accessible. Companies should strive to ensure employees can quickly access help without needing to navigate complex systems, especially during a mental health crisis.
TRIMEDX has found partnering with a healthcare concierge to help employees navigate health and wellness benefits has been hugely helpful. Employees easily contact the service, which will direct them to the EAP or help them schedule an appointment with an in-network mental health clinician. This removes a logistical hurdle for employees who may be struggling to get the help they need quickly.
These types of services can also offer support to employees’ families. For example, if a family member needs help in another state, a concierge service can work with the employee to find out-of-state services. The service can also assist employees in finding health care for their child. This type of benefit acknowledges that employees’ personal and professional lives are connected. By alleviating some of the stressors that come with caring for family members or children, organizations can help employees focus and perform better at work.
Empowering leaders
Leaders play a critical role in fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. Organizations need to educate managers to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide them with the tools to handle situations properly. While leaders should not be expected to act as therapists or mental health professionals, they should be empowered to appropriately guide employees to resources. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends training for managers to help them recognize and respond to their direct reports who are experiencing emotional distress.
Leaders can also strive to form authentic connections with their direct reports, through regular check-ins and meaningful one-on-one conversations. Workers’ relationships with their direct managers can significantly impact their mental wellbeing at work. One study found nearly 70% of people said their manager has more of an impact on their mental health than their therapist or doctor and the same impact as their spouse or partner.
For remote teams, staying connected becomes even more important. Consistent check-ins and meetings where leaders can engage employees about work and their overall wellbeing are crucial. Building meaningful connections with employees who are often working alone allows them to feel seen and supported.
Strengthening the organization
In addition to helping individual employees, investing in mental health will strengthen the overall success of the business. Research shows employers that support mental health see a return of four dollars for every dollar invested in mental health treatment.
When employees struggle with mental health issues, they may not be able to effectively focus, solve problems, or remain engaged. According to the WHO, an estimated 12 billion working days worldwide are lost every year to anxiety and depression, costing $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.
Employees are also more likely to stay with organizations that demonstrate commitment to their wellbeing. Harvard Business Review research (HBR) found 68% of millennials and 81% of Gen-Z workers have left roles for mental health reasons. HBR also found 91% of respondents believed a company’s culture should support mental health. A workplace that values mental health fosters loyalty and job satisfaction, which can contribute to higher associate retention.
Prioritizing employee mental health is about creating a culture that values and supports everyone. By openly recognizing challenges, equipping leaders, and offering accessible resources, companies can cultivate a positive work environment that benefits employees and the broader organization.
Dawn Griffin is chief human resources and diversity officer at TRIMEDX. Dawn brings over 20 years of experience and leads TRIMEDX’s human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, compensation, talent development, organization development, culture, and associate engagement. Throughout her career, Dawn has been focused on global private equity companies in automotive, life sciences, and healthcare. She is a board member for The Goodwill Foundation of Central and Southern Indiana and earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.