Simple ways companies can support their employees’ mental health

South Africa’s workplaces are battling a silent mental health crisis, and according to a recent study by Sapien Labs’ fourth annual Mental State of the World Report, South Africa has the worst mental well-being levels ranking 69 out of 71 countries, with little improvement post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses have a critical role to play in easing the effects of mental health issues through employee assistance programmes (EAPs), by investing in the well-being of their employees and offering support, says Gary Feldman, executive head of Healthcare Consulting for employee benefits firm, NMG Benefits.

“Growing numbers of South Africans are feeling overwhelming stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. This affects their relationships, quality of life and productivity, to the point where they no longer can deliver on the most basic of requests. Even responding to an email can be an anxiety-provoking task,” he says.

The average person spends one-third of their life at work, so understanding employee wellness is crucial. It doesn’t just speak to the physical health of employees but also their emotional and mental well-being, and even their financial and legal stability. Employees who are happy and healthy are more resilient and can better manage change.

South African employers who take a proactive and flexible approach to supporting their people are seeing real improvements in productivity. There is a clear correlation between having an effective EAP and absenteeism management programme in place, and improved productivity.

Research suggests workplace initiatives designed to promote good mental health among employees can provide companies with a measurable return on their investment. According to the World Health Organization, companies can see a $4 return on every $1 they put toward treating common mental health concerns.

Some of the ways in which EAPs can help companies manage their employees mental wellness include:

Counselling

Confidential counselling services help employees address personal and work-related issues that are affecting their mental and emotional health. These services are typically offered by external licensed mental health professionals, who keep all information confidential.

Stress management

EAPs often provide stress management resources to help employees manage stress and promote overall wellness. These services may include workshops, stress management tools, counselling specifically around stress management, and online resources.

Financial and legal support

Financial struggles are one of the biggest sources of stress in the workplace. EAPs can help employees access legal and financial advice to manage their financial and legal well-being, both in their personal life and at work. This includes advice on estate planning, debt counselling and even assisting with divorce proceedings.

Workplace support

A healthy work environment promotes mental well-being. Workplace support can include providing training and resources to managers to identify and address potential issues in the workplace. EAPs can also support employee well-being through flexible working arrangements, employee wellness programmes and peer support programmes.

Cultivate empathy

Cultivating an environment focused on empathy is key to harnessing the power of productivity. Organisational success relies on a compassionate and inclusive culture.

“EAPs play a critical role in addressing workplace mental health issues by providing support to employees and reducing the stigma around mental health. Employers who invest in their employees in this way can maintain overall well-being in the workplace. This increases productivity, job satisfaction, employee engagement and overall performance,” concludes Feldman.

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