Employee engagement and mental health are two critical aspects of a thriving workplace. Engaged employees are more productive, creative, and loyal, while good mental health ensures they can sustain high performance and contribute positively to the company culture. May, celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month, provided a perfect opportunity for organizations to link these two important elements. Here are 5 tips that explain how fostering a connection between employee engagement and mental wellbeing at work can lead to a healthier, more motivated workforce.

Bridging Employee Engagement and Mental Health

1# Creating a Supportive Culture

A culture that prioritizes mental health naturally boosts employee engagement. When employees feel their well-being is valued, they are more likely to be engaged. Organizations can achieve this by fostering an environment where mental wellbeing at work is openly discussed and supported. Here are some detailed strategies:

• Open Communication: Encourage conversations about mental health without stigma. Leadership should model this by sharing their own experiences and challenges. By normalizing discussions about mental health, employees will feel more comfortable seeking help when needed. This can be facilitated through regular check-ins, mental health awareness campaigns, and designated safe spaces for open dialogue.
• Training and Resources: Provide training for managers and employees to recognize signs of mental health issues and offer appropriate support. Managers play a crucial role in supporting their teams, and equipping them with the skills to identify and address mental health concerns can make a significant difference. Share resources such as counseling services, mental health days, and wellness programs. Additionally, offering mental health first aid training can empower employees to support each other.

Creating a supportive culture involves continuous effort and commitment. It requires organizations to regularly assess their policies, provide ongoing education, and listen to employee feedback. By prioritizing mental health, companies not only improve engagement but also foster a more inclusive and compassionate workplace.

2# Promoting Work-Life Balance

Overworking can lead to burnout, a significant mental health issue that can severely impact productivity and employee retention. Engaged employees should not feel overburdened but rather supported in balancing their work and personal lives. Here are some effective strategies to promote work-life balance:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible hours or remote work options to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities. Flexibility can greatly reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. For instance, allowing employees to adjust their work hours to accommodate personal commitments or offering the option to work from home can make a significant difference.
• Encouraging Time Off: Make sure employees take their vacations and breaks to recharge. Encourage the use of vacation days and consider implementing mandatory time-off policies to ensure employees are taking the necessary time to rest. Regular breaks during the workday can also help maintain focus and reduce stress.
• Workload Management: Ensure that workloads are manageable and that employees are not consistently working overtime. This can be achieved by setting realistic deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and providing adequate support. Regularly reviewing workloads and adjusting them as needed can prevent burnout and maintain high levels of engagement.

Promoting work-life balance is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. By supporting employees in managing their personal and professional lives, organizations can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster long-term engagement.

3# Recognizing and Rewarding Efforts

Acknowledging and appreciating employees contributions can significantly impact their mental wellbeing at work. Recognition programs can be formal, like awards, or informal, like a thank-you note. Here are some effective ways to recognize and reward efforts:

• Consistent and Genuine Recognition: Regularly acknowledge efforts and successes in a sincere manner. This can be done through public recognition during meetings, personalized thank-you notes, or shout-outs in company communications. Consistent recognition shows employees that their contributions are valued and appreciated.
• Inclusive Recognition: Ensure that all employees, regardless of their role, feel valued and appreciated. This can be achieved by creating diverse recognition programs that cater to different departments and roles. Recognize both individual and team achievements to foster a sense of collaboration and inclusivity.
• Formal Recognition Programs: Implement structured programs such as employee of the month awards, performance bonuses, or milestone celebrations. Formal programs can provide a clear framework for recognition and motivate employees to strive for excellence.
• Peer Recognition: Encourage employees to recognize each other’s efforts. Peer recognition programs, where colleagues can nominate each other for awards or express appreciation, can strengthen team bonds and create a supportive work environment.

Recognizing and rewarding efforts not only boosts morale but also enhances job satisfaction and loyalty. By making recognition a core part of the company culture, organizations can create a positive and motivating workplace.

4# Providing Mental Health Resources

Offering resources to support mental wellbeing at work is crucial. This can include a variety of services and programs designed to address different aspects of mental well-being. Here are some key resources organizations can provide:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): These programs offer confidential support for personal and work-related issues. EAPs can provide counseling, legal assistance, financial advice, and other services to help employees manage stress and improve their mental health.
• Mental Health Days: Allow employees to take days off specifically for mental health needs. Recognizing the importance of mental health days can help reduce stigma and encourage employees to prioritize their well-being. Clearly communicate the availability and purpose of mental health days to ensure employees feel comfortable using them.
• Workshops and Seminars: Host events that focus on stress management, resilience, and mindfulness. Workshops on topics such as meditation, time management, and coping strategies can equip employees with tools to manage stress and improve their mental health. Consider partnering with mental health professionals or organizations to provide expert-led sessions.
• Mental Health Resources: Provide access to mental health resources such as self-help materials, online courses, and mobile apps. These resources can offer additional support and guidance for employees looking to improve their mental well-being.

By providing comprehensive mental health resources, organizations can support their employees in managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

5# Fostering Social Connections

Strong social connections at work enhance engagement and mental well-being. Encouraging team building and camaraderie can create a supportive and collaborative work environment. Here are some strategies to foster social connections:

• Team Activities: Organize regular team-building activities, both virtual and in-person. Activities such as team lunches, retreats, and social events can help employees bond and build relationships. Virtual activities, such as online games or virtual coffee breaks, can also be effective in maintaining connections among remote teams.
• Mentorship Programs: Pair employees with mentors to provide guidance and support. Mentorship programs can help employees navigate their careers, develop new skills, and feel more connected to the organization. Encourage mentors to share their experiences and provide regular feedback to mentees.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Support the formation of ERGs based on common interests or backgrounds. ERGs can provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and support each other. These groups can also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Collaborative Projects: Encourage cross-functional projects and initiatives that require collaboration among different teams. Collaborative projects can foster teamwork, improve communication, and create a sense of community within the organization.
• Social Spaces: Create spaces within the workplace where employees can socialize and relax. Common areas, such as break rooms or lounges, can provide opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships.

By fostering social connections, organizations can create a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for employee engagement and mental well-being.

How can teroGO support your efforts?

teroGO can be instrumental in implementing these strategies effectively. This platform offers a range of solutions tailored to enhance employee engagement and well-being through targeted challenges and ongoing programs focused on physical and mental health, sustainability, and impactful initiatives. By leveraging this solution, organizations can foster a healthier work environment, improve employee retention, and cultivate a positive corporate culture, ensuring that efforts to bridge employee engagement and mental health are both structured and sustainable.

The platform includes features such as personalized wellness programs, mental health resources, and team-building activities. These features can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization and employees.

teroGO always goes the extra mile to guarantee the best experience possible, and this is why they partnered with Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs), a leading expert in mindfulness education and training. With their proven methodologies seamlessly integrated into teroGO’s platform, teams can now enjoy the benefits of both team-building fun and mindfulness practices in one cohesive experience. Discover more on the dedicated page.

Conclusion

Linking employee engagement with mental health initiatives not only enhances the well-being of your workforce but also drives productivity and business success. We hope that the 5 tips to improve mental wellbeing at work will help you in having happy and engaged employees who will contribute to a thriving, successful organization.

Many corporations already trust teroGO to help them in their continuous mission. Make sure to book a meeting with one of our experts to learn more about how teroGO can support your organization. Not ready yet? Test our app now for free and discover its benefits.