Dr. Ronke Komolafe, DBH., MBA. (844) 933-4116. Founder of Advancing Behavioral Health
As someone who has spent over 15 years generating business value through healthcare advocacy, I’ve learned that, when leaders prioritize mental health in the workplace, they have a positive impact on employee performance, engagement and overall organizational success.
But what does supporting mental health look like in business leadership? It often involves creating a culture of openness in the workplace, understanding and support — where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health challenges without fear of stigma or repercussion. It means offering counseling services, actively promoting work-life integration and more.
To help leaders looking to be proactive in addressing mental health issues in the workplace, I asked members of Mental Health Group, a community I lead through Forbes Business Council, to share how they lead by example.
1. Expand Provider Options
With access to mental health resources at its lowest point in decades, leaders should create a strategy that improves access to care and quality treatment, while also allowing employees to choose a provider and care modality that suits their personal preferences. – Sean Fogarty, CuraLinc Healthcare
2. Give Access To A Gym (And Time To Use It)
A great strategy is ensuring your employees have access to a gym and time to use it — a healthy team is an efficient team. Working out has tons of mental health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and the chances of preventable diseases. Most gyms also offer yoga and even meditation classes on their apps, which also contribute to the mental well-being of your employees. – Joseph Kimbrough, Apex Real Estate Investments
3. Focus On Work-Life Integration
One key strategy leaders can employ to support their employees’ mental health is to focus on work-life integration. With increasing workloads and job demands, employees struggle to have a work-personal life harmony, resulting in burnout, stress and poor mental health. Leaders can promote a culture that values employees’ well-being just as much as their work responsibilities. – Dr Chibuzor Uwadi, Eat Well & See Well Ltd
4. Measure Their Fulfillment In Different Life Categories
Be Proactive. I recently spoke to a founder of Peakality, who created a way for employers (and employees) to measure fulfillment in different categories of their lives. As it turns out, measuring these areas makes it possible to detect and predict events of significant impact. This empowers employers to take proactive steps and support team members before these impactful events even occur. – Ali Mahvan, Terasynth
5. Establish ‘Mindful Connection’ Programs
One strategy leaders can employ is to establish programs for employees that encourage mindful connections and how to build resilience through support. These programs foster an environment where employees can openly discuss mental health concerns and support each other’s well-being. – Mohammad Bahareth, MBI
6. Offer Paid Leave Benefits
Leaders can support employees during their most stressful life events with paid leave benefits, giving much-needed time and space – and income replacement – during challenging times. The mental health implications of having to choose between a loved one’s caregiving needs and work are significant, and no one should have to fear job loss in the face of the unexpected at home. – Dan Fishbein, Sun Life
7. Foster Open Communication
One effective strategy leaders can adopt is fostering a culture of open communication and empathy. Encourage employees to share their concerns without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins, mental health days and providing access to wellness resources can significantly boost morale and productivity. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel genuinely supported and valued. – Aleesha Webb, Pioneer Bank
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