The Impact of Mental Health on Employee Retention and Productivity

Here’s the reality: the state of mental health in your workforce can either be a driving force for accomplishing your business goals, or an ongoing burden that pushes those goals further and further into the future. So, as an employer, protecting the mental wellbeing of your workforce and creating a more positive work environment should be key pursuits for your executive teams and HR professionals. If you’re an employee, now’s the perfect time to rethink how well your job supports your mental health.  

Why does it matter? Employee productivity and retention often hinge on a positive work environment, one without discrimination, excessive workloads, and low job security. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12 billion working days are lost annually due to employees suffering from anxiety and depression. That’s the equivalent of one trillion dollars in lost productivity. Perusta understands that there’s no simple solution to such a striking issue. That’s why we want to work from the outside in, focusing on employees’ side of the story to draw out accessible and effective mental health benefits that improve organizations as a whole.   

As this blog further explores the connection between mental health, productivity, and employee retention, we want to present employees and employers alike with the real, lasting advantages of seeking and providing mental health benefits in the workplace. When employees receive the support they need, their performance improves and they’re more likely to put down roots in an organization that values their health and personal growth. And hey, if you’re an employee, wouldn’t it be great to feel like your place of work is an integrated part of a healthy, balanced life? Perusta’s right there with you.  

Why Prioritizing Workplace Wellness Matters for Employees 

When someone likes or even loves where they work, their job can impart a sense of confidence and purpose. It can also help them incorporate structure and routine in their lives while making them part of a workplace community that feels inclusive and uplifting. The stability and positivity that come with such an environment act as a healthy barrier against mental health risks. For those who already have mental health challenges, good work can be an important aspect of recovery and developing a support network. 

As a dedicated employee, you deserve an opportunity to show up for work as your best self. This is how better mental health can make work a wonderful place to be:   

Performance and Productivity

Employee productivity may sound like a buzzword your employer would be highly interested in, but, believe it or not, productivity can impact your mental health and vice versa. When you’re using all your skills, have a clear sense of your role, and feel supported and safe in your workplace culture, your performance and your mental wellbeing will reap the benefits. You’ll feel more focused, more creative, and more capable of solving problems as they arise. 

General awareness and mental wellness programs can help foster the supportive culture we’re referring to, and they can also empower you and your fellow workers to speak up and receive the resources you need to continue healing and thriving. 

Lower Stress Levels

Less stress means less burnout. Less burnout means less potential for you to become overworked, overwhelmed, and in need of a new workplace altogether. Characterized by mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion as a result of unideal work conditions, burnout can take a toll on both your job satisfaction and your mental health. If you want to feel engaged and valued, you’ll likely need mental health benefits in place to help you navigate stressful situations and address mental health challenges as they arise.       

Why Prioritizing Workplace Wellness Matters for Employers

With employee retention and productivity on the line, the mental wellbeing of your employees becomes more and more crucial in our busy, ultra fast-paced world of work. Now that you’ve seen how your employees may be balancing mental health challenges and their performance, let’s take a closer look at how a renewed focus on mental health can transform productivity and retention across your organization.

Higher Morale

You want passionate, hard-working employees, right? Start by ensuring the work culture you build and promote is one that makes those employees feel seen and heard. Encourage work-life balance, regular breaks, and other stress reduction tactics alongside your search for the right mental health resources. 

If an employee needs accommodations for a mental health disability, they should feel comfortable reaching out to their manager or supervisor for support. When your company becomes a community in this way, you see a happier, healthier workforce that’s able to bring their true selves to work for a boost in employee productivity across the board. 

Loyal, Committed Employees  

Be proactive. Addressing your employees’ mental health before it has a chance to cause absenteeism and higher turnover puts you in an excellent position to improve general employee retention rates as time goes on. It’s simple, really. Employees appreciate a supportive, caring environment and will be far less likely to leave your company for one with better mental health benefits if you already offer them. In fact, a report by Deloitte claims that 57% of employees seriously consider quitting in favor of a job that’s more supportive of their wellbeing.     

This is Your Sign to Start Offering Mental Health Benefits 

Like what you’re reading so far? The next step is to take action and find or recommend the right resources for you, your colleagues, or the various teams that make your organization great. At Perusta, we understand that the resources most companies currently have in place may be helpful, but what if they’re just not living up to the standard of care their employees need? Thankfully, there are a wide range of mental wellness programs and benefits organizations can extend to their employees. Examples include:

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Ongoing partnerships with mental health service providers like Perusta
• Mental health education and training
• Mindfulness workshops 
• Fitness programs and activities
• Flexible scheduling, including remote work
• Careful management of workload and work expectations  

Perusta is Your Partner in Workplace Wellness 

Whether you’re an employee or an employer, there’s no denying that mental health is at the heart of a supportive, sustainable workforce. If you’re interested in finding a new rhythm for the way your organization approaches mental health, Perusta is ready to lend a digital helping hand. Contact us today to see what we can do for you or read our additional blog material on mental health in the workplace.