Best Practices for Boosting Employee Mental Health and Well-Being

What do Amazon, Unilever, American Airlines, and Johnson & Johnson have in common? They are among the most well-known companies that provide some of the best mental health support for their employees. Mental health continues to be a major workplace issue, with a recent Lyra Health survey reporting that 44% of respondents worldwide considered stress as the biggest challenge to their mental health. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the US have experienced mental health issues.

Employee sitting frustrated in front of computer hand on head

It is no secret that employees with mental health issues tend to have more absences and are less productive at work. Many companies are getting this message and are doing something about it, but there is still a long way to go. At the forefront of creating change are Gen Zers who have helped to destigmatize mental health by sharing their own struggles on social media.

In a recent report, Newsweek magazine found that “organizations prioritizing mental wellbeing see higher engagement, lower turnover, and improved productivity, clear indicators that a strong workplace culture goes hand in hand with success.” Many of the companies mentioned above extended mental health benefits to their employees not only because it is the right thing to do, but because they receive a return on their investment. Happy employees can bring their best selves to work each day.

Here's how some companies are prioritizing employee mental health.

Consumer goods giant Unilever has trained over 4,000 employees worldwide as mental health champions. This group of employees is trained to identify peers who are struggling with mental health issues and to connect them with services that can support them.
American Airlines offers employees access to mental health benefits through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Some of the emotional well-being issues supported by the EAP are drug and alcohol abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and ways to improve interpersonal skills.
Multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, Johnson & Johnson, has instituted a “Healthy Mind” program to teach employees about mental wellness. The program reaches not only employees but extends to their families as well. Through a company-managed app called meQuilibrium, employees and their family members can access backup care support. J&J regularly reviews its mental health initiatives with its specially trained managers and staff to be aware of mental health issues, with a focus on de-escalating potential problems.
Amazon provides employees with 24/7 access to mental health providers and digital apps. It manages a “Resources for Living” program available free to employees and their families. Employees are connected with in-person and virtual mental health providers such as therapists and coaches.

Some of the largest and most well-respected organizations have taken a leadership position in prioritizing the mental health of their employees and, in some cases, their families as well. Supporting mental well-being sends the right message to employees that they know they matter as people.

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