The Business Case for Putting Mental Health First

Mental health is a growing problem in the workplace and one that’s affecting businesses around the world. In fact, according to statistics, one in four people will experience a mental health problem every year, meaning more employers need to support their staff in handling these issues.

But supporting staff with their mental health isn’t just beneficial for the employee’s wellbeing – it also benefits the business as a whole. These are just a few of the advantages business owners can enjoy when they put the mental health of their staff first.

Reduction in absences

Reports state that depression causes around 38.8 million lost workdays every year, costing businesses billions in lost revenue. This loss to an employer’s workforce can have a significant impact on businesses reaching their targets and scaling up. But it’s not just mental health issues causing absenteeism, but the side effects of illnesses like depression and anxiety leading people to call in sick.

For example, mental health problems can directly impact a person’s ability to take care of themselves and engage in healthful activities such as exercising, eating a balanced diet and moderating their drinking. People with mental health problems are more likely to experience chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as a weaker immune system as a result of psychological stress.

Happy employees are more productive

Employees with depression and other mental health issues can experience a reduction in their productivity, and over time, this can have a huge impact on a business’ ability to reach its goals and complete work to schedule. The hours lost to a dip in productivity soon add up, especially if multiple people in the team are experiencing mental health difficulties.

Exhaustion, lack of motivation and a decline in the quality of work produced are all early warning signs of a mental health issue in an employee, and one that employers need to be watchful of in order to not only support staff with their struggles but also keep the team working productively. Not only are happy, healthy staff more efficient and motivated, but they’re also more loyal and this can help with staff retention rates in the long term.

The creation of a healthier workplace culture

When staff feel that their health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, is a priority for a business, it has the potential to boost morale and engagement. No-one wants to work as part of a team that neglects to take care of one another, or that overlooks important issues such as mental health in favour of profits.

Managers that show employees that their mental health matters will be rewarded by a more trusting team, and individuals who will be willing to go the extra mile in their role. It helps to create a sense of ease and trust in the workplace, and that can be very effective in fostering a culture of happy, loyal employees.

Lowered risk of workplace grievances

Another benefit of supporting the mental health of staff is that it can help to reduce the risk of grievances and discrimination claims from unhappy staff. Mental health discrimination in businesses refers to circumstances where someone is treated less favourably or put at a disadvantage because of a mental health condition that amounts to a disability. For example, someone may be disciplined because they’ve taken time off work with depression on numerous occasions – a symptom of their mental health condition.

Putting mental health first and understanding that adjustments may need to be made to accommodate employees with mental health conditions can help to minimise the risk of discrimination claims or complications from unwell staff, and ensures that everyone on the team is treated fairly and supported in order to do their job to the best of their ability.

Final thoughts

Employers have a responsibility to take care of their staff, but often mental health can be overlooked. As an important issue, and one that continues to grow in severity, employers need to consider the ways that they can prioritise mental health in the workplace – not just for the good of individuals in the team but also for the growth and success of the business.

Prioritising mental health creates a supportive culture and a team of motivated, happier individuals, but it also helps to save businesses money from lost work days and productivity, minimises the risk of discrimination claims and also enhances your reputation as a business that genuinely cares.