Modern leaders prioritize employee well-being. They understand that supporting physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness helps employees thrive.

Prioritization of employee well-being elevates engagement, productivity, and performance. These factors increase job satisfaction, employee morale, and retention rates for a stronger bottom line.

According to a 2022 Gallup Panel survey of 15,809 US working adults, 19% rated their mental health as fair or poor. These workers had four times more unplanned absences due to mental health concerns than workers who reported good, very good, or excellent mental health.

Therefore, company leaders should provide resources and support to benefit employee wellness. These suggestions can help.

Learn how modern leaders can prioritize employee well-being.

Educate Employees on Mental Healthcare Benefits

The Gallup survey found that 40% of respondents reported their job had an extremely negative or somewhat negative impact on their mental health. Also, 57% of these workers were unable to find easily accessible mental health support services within their workplace.

As a result, company leaders must educate their workforce on the company’s mental healthcare benefits. These benefits might include:

• Educational workshops
• Mental health screenings
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Paid mental health days
• Paid volunteer days
• Bereavement leave
• Counseling
• Therapy

Monitor Employee Workloads

Increasing workloads and unrealistic deadlines create pressure and elevate employee stress levels. These factors can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout.

As a result, company leaders should regularly review their employees’ workloads to ensure their teams stay busy without being overwhelmed. Leaders should also address any concerns with employee workloads and provide resources and support to resolve them.

Encourage Employee Stress Reduction

According to the 2023-2024 Aflac WorkForces Report, 74% of the 1,201 US employers and 2,000 employees surveyed reported very high, high, or moderate amounts of workplace stress. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to increased absenteeism, burnout, and turnover.

Therefore, company leaders should remind their employees to engage in self-care throughout the day when appropriate, and after the workday is over. Taking time to destress helps clear the mind and support productivity.

Effective stress reduction methods include:

• Meditating
• Stretching
• Practicing yoga
• Reading
• Listening to music
• Engaging in mindfulness
• Taking a walk
• Having casual conversations

Is It Time to Add to Your HR Team?

Modern leaders can prioritize employee well-being by educating employees on the company’s mental healthcare benefits, monitoring employee workloads, and encouraging employee stress reduction throughout the day. These activities help reduce employee stress, mental health concerns, and burnout.

Arlington Resources can help you add professionals to your HR team. Contact us to learn more today.