Many employed adults are affected by mental health conditions that interfere with their personal and professional success and wellbeing. Work-related stress is also a major issue for many people, contributing to poor physical and emotional health, as well as decreased productivity and job satisfaction. Creating a workplace culture and environment that supports the emotional wellbeing of all employees can result in healthier and more productive employees.

Recommended Strategies

Education and Awareness

  • Share education on personal stress management.

  • Promote an Employee Assistance Program or local mental health resources.

  • Provide education on mental health and substance use.

  • Provide employee orientation on workplace policies and support for mental health and substance use recovery.

  • Provide employees with information on the mental health benefits offered through the organization’s insurance.

On-Site Support

  • Offer stress management opportunities.

  • Offer workshops on mental health and substance use.

  • Participate as a business in one community engagement activity.

  • Create and maintain a dedicated quiet space for relaxation.

  • Provide free or subsidized lifestyle coaching, counseling or self-management programs.

Policy Change

  • Provide supervisory trainings on increasing support for employee wellbeing.

  • Have a policy that supports employees who have mental health issues, including leaves of absence and plans for returning to work.

  • Allow employees to access support services during working hours.

  • Have a policy addressing the use of alcohol and substances at work and work-related functions, and promote responsible drinking at work-related events where alcohol is present.

Related Resources

For more information, download the Support Emotional Wellbeing section of the Worksite Wellness Toolkit!