Today, recruiting and retaining quality employees is more challenging than ever. Fortunately, modern employee benefits don’t always require significant financial investment from employers. Prioritizing mental wellness, for example, pays dividends not only in employee well-being but also in business productivity and morale.

The Impact of Mental Health on the Workplace

Mental wellness significantly affects business operations, influencing productivity, engagement, workplace culture and morale. Untreated mental health issues are estimated to cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity. Common consequences include absenteeism, presenteeism (when employees are physically present but not fully engaged) and high turnover.

A recent Gallup study found that This stark statistic highlights the need for businesses to proactively support their staff’s mental wellness, ultimately creating a healthier and more productive work environment.

Low-Cost Mental Wellness Solutions

Seminary-prepared, ordained minister and licensed professional clinical counselor Mark Spivey has over 40 years of experience in coaching people through life’s problems, unexpected changes and the losses that bring tough times. He advises that fostering mental wellness in the workplace doesn’t need to be costly and is imperative to success. Many companies currently meet only minimal requirements for mental health support, expecting employees to navigate insurance or local programs independently. Spivey emphasizes that a proactive approach is essential.

“Just because a worker shows up doesn’t mean the worker is OK inside. With recent global challenges, people are struggling to maintain stability and security. Businesses need to offer more than the bare minimum if they want to foster a truly supportive environment.”

Building Mental Wellness into the Hiring Process

During the hiring process, companies can incorporate a mini mental health assessment to show candidates that mental wellness matters from day one. According to Spivey:

“Including a mental wellness discussion upfront demonstrates that you care. It shifts the conversation beyond job qualifications, prioritizing a healthy, sustainable fit over just skills. Overlooking this aspect can lead to a toxic environment and low morale.”

Promoting a Mental Wellness Culture

Once new hires are onboarded, there are several cost-effective ways to maintain a positive mental wellness culture. Spivey recommends that businesses consider the following strategies:

• Promote open awareness and reduce stigma. Build a workplace culture that speaks openly about mental health. This requires a concerted effort from the top down, making it clear that mental wellness is integral to the company’s values. A written policy isn’t enough—consistent messaging and practice are key.
• Offer mental health or self-care days. Granting employees mental health days shows compassion in action. It reflects care and builds trust, demonstrating that wellness is a priority.
• Lead by example. Leaders should actively model mental wellness practices. Employees believe what they see, and responsiveness to mental health needs—such as providing timely resources rather than ignoring requests—builds a trustworthy support system.
• Utilize local and state resources. Small businesses can partner with local mental health organizations or contract professionals on a fee-for-service basis, creating a resource network without a full-time expense.

Understanding Mental Health Beyond Work

It’s essential to remember that mental health issues often stem from personal challenges outside the workplace. While some may argue that personal issues shouldn’t affect work, Spivey points out:

“Expecting employees to leave their personal lives at the door fails to recognize the complexity of the human experience. In today’s distracted and disorderly world, many employees feel isolated and unheard. Simply listening can be 50% of the solution.”

Recognizing Hidden Mental Health Struggles

High productivity doesn’t always equate to mental wellness. Spivey notes that seemingly high-achieving employees may be struggling internally:

“Highly productive workers are often perfectionists or driven by external validation. Without a supportive reward system, they may suffer in silence. Addressing this proactively can prevent harmful behaviors that could affect both their work and personal lives.”

The Benefits of a Supportive Workplace Culture

By adopting these best practices, companies can cultivate a thriving work environment that boosts employee morale and reduces turnover. In addition to mental health initiatives, employee recognition plays a crucial role. According to Gallup and Workhuman, employees who feel recognized experience less burnout, stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging. They are seven times more likely to have meaningful workplace connections and 10 times more likely to feel they belong.

Creating a culture that values mental wellness isn’t just good for employees; it’s also beneficial for the company’s bottom line. A supportive workplace culture leads to increased productivity, lower turnover, and ultimately, a more profitable and sustainable business.