Happy spooky season, folks!

The air is cooling down and the spooky vibes are heating up. Today we’re looking at the measurable impact of mental health strategies and programs at work. What’s spookier than talking business’y concepts like the bottom line and ROI?

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Latest happenings in mental health

• Biden-Harris administration to increase reach of mental health services and professionals in schools 

• As Ozempic use grows, so do reports of possible mental health side effects 

• Canada's first public mental health park open in Calgary

• You can now track your mental wellbeing with your iPhone 

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The impact of mental health programs

In recent years, the narrative around mental health has moved from the periphery of social discourse to the forefront of corporate concerns. The emotional, psychological, and social well-being of employees is no longer just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic investment with quantifiable returns. As a result, many organizations are considering what the return on investment (ROI) is of workplace mental health strategies and programs.

The modern work landscape has brought with it challenges and opportunities in remote work, flexible schedules, and digital connectivity. These changes have blurred the boundaries between professional and personal lives.  As a result, employees inevitably bring personal stresses to work and vice-versa. In this intertwined reality, the mental well-being of an employee is undeniably linked to presenteeism, productivity and performance.

In the last year, 64% of employees reported struggles with mental health challenges and 91% said they were less productive as a result.

Low engagement and employee well-being could become a major issue for employers, especially in the EU, as sustainability directives start to include workforce metrics.

According to Josh Bersin in a recent HBR article, investors will begin to measure the effectiveness of a company’s well-being initiatives as a key metric of overall performance.

Quantifying the returns

Recent research also highlights the positive impact made when organizations do invest adequately in mental health. Employers who prioritize establishing a supportive culture see a higher rate of retention and higher rate of reports of well-being.

Numerous other studies suggest a substantial ROI for every dollar invested in mental health interventions in the workplace.

A recent analysis at the University of Chicago highlighted that for every $1 invested in targeted mental health actions brings a return of $4 in benefits realized through decreased absenteeism, improved productivity, and reductions in workers' compensation claims.

Overall, the data demonstrates that strategically supporting mental health engagement leads to a more retained, resilient workforce and better financial outcomes.

Beyond the ROI

Here are the often-overlooked advantages of a robust mental health strategy:

• Enhanced employer brand: Companies that prioritize employee well-being tend to attract top talent who value supportive work environments.

• Reduced turnover: Employees are more likely to stay with companies that demonstrate genuine care for their mental health.

• Innovation boost: A mentally healthy environment fosters creativity, pushing the company to new heights in product development and service offerings.

As compelling as the ROI argument is, improving mental health could be so much more than a boardroom topic only when dollars and cents are discussed. It could be a consistent part of any company or community ethos. Encouraging open dialogue, destigmatizing mental health conditions, and offering education and access to professional help are essential components of this transformation.

For businesses eager to explore the promise and potential of workplace mental health programs, Here offers tailored strategies and solutions. As advocates and experienced practitioners in the field, our expertise can guide organizations to developing a roadmap for a healthier and more engaged workforce.

In the modern world, companies can no longer afford to overlook the mental health of their employees. It's more than just a financial imperative—it's about building a sustainable, compassionate, and thriving business.

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That’s all for now.

Until next time, forward this email to your friends and family in HR, management,  leadership, and life. Together we can build a movement of change. #letschangeminds

Meg + the Here fam