Investing in mental health: How to support your employees' wellbeing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders — beyond the personal impact they have on individuals — cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. With ongoing challenges and uncertainty in the world, it's critical to recognize the impact that mental health has on our lives and our work, as well as the role of workplace culture in supporting employees' well-being.

As I shared in my blog post for World Mental Health Day 2022, I know firsthand the importance of prioritizing holistic well-being in the workplace. My personal experiences are not unique, and this underscores the need for workplaces to cultivate a culture of mental health awareness and support for employees' well-being. The realization that we need to prioritize whole-person health, or holistic well-being, in our organizations is not only good for our teams, but it's also good for business. Research shows that employees with better mental, physical and emotional well-being are more engaged, perform better and are less likely to leave their jobs.

At Cornerstone, I'm proud to say that we offer many mental health and well-being benefits, and we’re committed to continuously evaluating our offerings to ensure we support the holistic well-being of our employees. Prioritizing mental health awareness and well-being is critical for creating an engaged, productive and motivated workforce. By investing in our employees' well-being, we're benefiting our teams and contributing to business success.

Unfortunately, many companies still overlook the importance of mental health in the workplace, leading to a negative ripple effect across the organization. When employees struggle with mental health challenges, it can result in ineffectiveness on the job, decreased quality of work and a lack of connection across teams. On the other hand, a positive workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being can lead to engaged, productive and motivated employees. By investing in workplace well-being initiatives, companies can create a positive and supportive environment that benefits everyone.

To help promote Mental Health Awareness Month in the workplace year-round, I've compiled a list of resources and reading materials that prioritize personal and professional well-being. Whether you're a manager looking for ways to support your team or an individual seeking ways to set healthy boundaries, may you find these resources helpful and informative.

Our DEIB learning series, A Seat at the Table, fosters open and honest conversations about how social issues — including mental health challenges — impact diverse groups in the workplace, and is available to all of our Cornerstone Content Anytime (CCA) customers:

• How conversations about DEIB can drive empathy throughout your organization

• How DEIB conversations are integral to a successful workplace

Learn more about prioritizing workplace well-being with these related Cornerstone Resource Corner articles:

• How to use vacation time to mitigate burnout in the workplace

• Mental health is top of mind for companies — here's how to make these efforts last

• Employees are more at risk for burnout than ever: Take steps now to prevent it

• A day in the life of a workplace wellness expert

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate attention, call your local emergency services or contact your local suicide prevention program.

• U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

• You can also dial 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) to be immediately routed to your local crisis center based on your area code