Beyond yoga: How leaders can promote mental health in the workplace

It is important to encourage employees to take charge of their own well-being to enhance mental and emotional wellness. That opportunity for support often originates with the leader. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The past year has introduced struggles that challenged workers in every possible way. Millions of people suddenly found themselves in new situations, trying to simultaneously navigate the changes that came with work, their family, schools and childcare, while also being concerned for their health during a global pandemic. All of this has taken a toll on the workforce. Forty percent of adults report struggling with mental health or substance use and reported four times the amount of anxiety and/or depression disorder diagnosis compared to 2019. Yet less than 50% of adults that report struggling with mental health actually seek help.

When talking with our employees, we learned that this was due to the stigma and uncertainty with where to turn. Employees shouldn’t have to go far for help and, in fact, assistance in many cases can be found within the leader.