Tips To Foster an Open-Door Policy For Mental Health at Work

Mental health issues seem to be more prevalent than ever. Perhaps it’s due to the awareness that’s being raised about these issues or the fact that people are simply more comfortable discussing them than they used to be. 

Either way, it’s important to make sure that your workplace is one that is open and welcoming to employees who may be struggling with mental health issues.

If you’re a manager or business owner, this should be one of your top priorities. Because employees who feel comfortable discussing their mental health with their employer are more likely to stay productive and engaged in their work.

The first step to creating a workplace where employees are comfortable talking about their mental health is to have an open-door policy. This means that employees feel like they can come to you with any concerns or issues they’re having without fear of judgment or retribution. 

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. In this guide, you will find helpful tips to foster an open-door policy for mental health at work.

1. Educate yourself and your team about mental health

The first step to creating an open and welcoming environment for employees with mental health issues is to educate yourself and your team about what mental health is and how it can affect people. 

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about mental health, so it’s important to make sure that you and your team are on the same page. Unfortunately, in many businesses, employees feel like they have to hide their mental health issues for fear of being seen as weak or unable to do their job. 

By educating yourself and your team about mental health, you can help break down these barriers and make it clear that you’re open to talking about these issues.

You can start by reading articles, watching videos, or attending workshops or seminars on the topic. 

“I like to keep a running list of articles, videos, and literature that I can share with my team when the topic of mental health comes up,” says Lina Miranda, VP Marketing at AdQuick. “It’s important to me that they understand that I’m not just spouting off my own opinion, but that I’m basing my views on solid information.”

It’s also important to be aware of the warning signs of mental health issues, such as changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, energy levels, or mood. If you notice any of these changes in an employee, take the time to have a conversation with them about how they’re doing. 

2. Encourage employees to take care of their mental health

One of the best ways to foster an open-door policy for mental health at work is to encourage employees to take care of their mental health. This means creating a culture where employees feel like they can take the time they need to focus on their mental health without judgment or repercussions. 

“I make it a point to talk about self-care with my team on a regular basis,” says Adam Bém, Co-Founder and COO at Victoria VR. “I let them know that it’s OK to take a mental health day if they’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. And I encourage them to use their vacation days to relax and recharge.”

You can also set up an employee assistance program (EAP) which provides confidential counseling services for employees who are struggling with mental health issues. 

3. Promote a healthy work-life balance

One of the biggest contributors to mental health issues is stress, so it’s important to promote a healthy work-life balance in your workplace. This means making sure that employees have the time and resources they need to complete their work without being overloaded. 

Try to create a realistic workload for your team. And if you can see that someone is struggling, offer to help them out or give them a break.

You can also promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work hours or the ability to work from home on occasion. Some time to reflect and recharge can make all the difference for an employee’s mental health. 

4. Be open about your own mental health

If you’re comfortable with it, one of the best ways to foster an open-door policy for mental health at work is to be open about your own mental health. This can help employees feel like they can come to you with their concerns without feeling like they’re being judged. 

“I’m very open about my own mental health journey,” says Jayme Muller, Brand Manager at RTA Outdoor Living. “I talk about it openly with my team, and I’m always happy to answer any questions they have.”

If you’re not comfortable sharing your personal story, that’s OK, too. You can still be a supportive ally for employees by letting them know that you’re there for them if they need to talk. 

5. Create an action plan for addressing mental health issues

If an employee comes to you with a mental health issue, it’s important to have an action plan in place for how you’re going to address it. This may include referring them to a therapist or counselor or providing them with information about mental health resources. 

“I always make sure to follow up with an employee after they’ve opened up to me about a mental health issue,” says Ian Heyman, Founder of Dermasteel. “I’ll check in with them regularly to see how they’re doing and see if there’s anything I can do to help.”

It’s also important to have a plan for addressing mental health issues in the workplace as a whole. This may include instituting policies around vacation days and flexible working arrangements or providing training for managers on how to support employees with mental health issues.

Final Thoughts

Mental health is an important issue that should be taken seriously in the workplace. By fostering an open-door policy for mental health, you can create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns. 

If you’re not sure where to start, try implementing some of the tips above. And if you need more help, there are many mental health resources available to employers.