Depression costs businesses. Poor mental health can affect your employees’ engagement levels, productivity, team-building, performance, and so much more. While an excellent salary is a perk that many employees search for if you genuinely want to attract and retain talent, offering mental health benefits is key. This will not only benefit all of your employees but the entire company as well.
There are a variety of mental health benefits your company may consider offering its employees. A few of these benefits include:
1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based program that helps employees with personal and professional issues. These difficulties can range from grave financial problems to mental health conditions. These programs are free for employees to use and are typically administered through a third-party, protecting their privacy. For employees who are battling many personal and public challenges, these programs can be life-changing.
2. Parental Leave
Parental leave is similar to maternal leave for new mothers. However, this option provides time to both the mother and the father, regardless of whether a child is biologically born or is adopted. The time after becoming a new parent can be stressful, allowing parents to adjust to their new life without the pressures and stress of work on top of their shoulders.
3. Generous Paid Time Off
One of the benefits that many job seekers search for is paid time off. However, many individuals are searching for more than just a few days of vacation time each year. They are looking to receive enough paid time off to enjoy a long vacation, not worry about illnesses, take an afternoon off for dentist or doctor’s appointments, etc. Be generous with the paid time off you provide employees and make sure employees benefit and use it.
4. A Strong Work Culture
Your workplace culture can play a significant role in the mental health of your employees. If they are continually feeling belittled, torn down, etc., they will not succeed and dread coming to work each day. You want to build a culture of positivity and praise. A few ideas to help develop this environment include:
- Host team-building activities.
- Place comfy chairs, houseplants, and other cozy items around the office.
- Offer more praise and recognition to employees both in private and in public.
- Allow for social opportunities such as team lunches, breaks with donuts or coffee, a company book club, etc.
5. Gym Membership Stipend
Exercise has been proving to improve an individual’s mental health. It can also reduce stress levels, boost immune systems, increase productivity and creativity, and much more. To encourage your employees to exercise regularly, offer a gym membership stipend to help cover the cost of this expense. If possible, you may even build a gym inside your company building and give your employees free access.
Hosting and encouraging participation in physical fitness activities such as a company softball team or running a 5K are great ways to promote exercise.
The mental health of your employees should never be something you ignore. The above ideas are just a few ways you can better your employees and increase your retention rates.
Thank You,
Offpich
Visit: www.offpich.com
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