As we focus on mental health awareness during the month of May, it is critical to remember that it is ok to not be ok. But more importantly, that help is available. Mental health has become a critical issue and has been compounded by the issues our nation has and continues to deal with.

Failure to support our employees’ mental health can have debilitating impacts to not only our employees, but to our company’s bottom line as well. “Investing in workplace mental health and wellness increases retention, recruitment and productivity; lowers absenteeism, disability leave and medical costs; and reduces employee-related risks and potential liabilities.” See 5 Common Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace (shrm.org)

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) model for cultivating a mental health-friendly workplace is based on four pillars:

This toolkit provides a discussion of these pillars and includes resources for employers to better understand mental health in the workplace and support the mental health of their employees. See Checklist for Mentally Healthy Workplaces.

The information provided in this insight was from shrm.org.