May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at NW Corporate Wellness, we believe it's the perfect time to talk openly about something that affects us all: our mental well-being.
The Reality Check
Let's start with some eye-opening facts:
1 in 5 of your employees is likely experiencing a mental health challenge this year
Over 90% of workers consider mental health support a priority when choosing an employer
Most people suffering do so silently, worried about judgment or career impact
These aren't just statistics. They're your colleagues, your team members, and maybe even you.
Why Workplace Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever
The modern workplace has evolved dramatically. Remote work, constant connectivity, and blurring boundaries between work and home have created new stressors. Meanwhile, global uncertainties and economic pressures continue to pressurize.
The result? Mental health challenges that affect not just individual wellbeing, but team dynamics and your company's bottom line through:
Decreased productivity
Higher turnover
Increased absenteeism
Workplace tension
Reduced innovation
Starting the Conversation
Here's what we know works: talking about it!
Research shows that when colleagues share their mental health experiences, it can increase the use of available support services by up to 8%. Simply put, conversation normalizes getting help.
But starting that conversation can be difficult. Here are some simple ways to break the ice:
Share your own challenges (as you feel comfortable)
Ask genuine "how are you?" questions and truly listen
Normalize therapy talk: "My therapist suggested..." becomes as normal as "My dentist said..."
Check in with team members who seem withdrawn or whose work patterns have changed
Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace Culture
Culture isn't built in a day, but here are some immediate steps your organization can take:
1. Make Space for Wellbeing: Designate quiet zones where employees can decompress, practice mindfulness, or simply take a mental break. Even small spaces with comfortable seating and calming elements can make a huge difference.
2. Get Moving Together: Physical activity is strongly linked to mental well-being. Try organizing:
Walking meetings
Lunch-hour yoga sessions
Team step challenges
Outdoor breaks between meetings
3. Flex Your Creative Muscles: Creativity reduces stress and anxiety. Consider:
Art supplies in breakrooms
Quick creativity workshops
Creative problem-solving sessions
Collaborative creative projects
4. Train Your Leaders: Ensure your managers know how to:
Recognize warning signs
Have supportive conversations
Connect team members with resources
Model healthy work-life boundaries
Making It Personal
Mental health isn't one-size-fits-all. Your workplace wellness program should reflect the diversity of your team's needs:
Offer multiple types of support (apps, counseling, peer groups)
Provide resources in multiple languages
Recognize that cultural backgrounds affect how people view mental health
Remember that accessibility matters—make resources available to all employees regardless of location or position
The Business Case for Mental Health Support
If the human factor isn't compelling enough, consider this: companies with robust mental health programs see an average return of $4 for every $1 invested through reduced healthcare costs, decreased absenteeism, and improved productivity.
Mental Health Awareness Month isn't just about awareness—it's about action. Here's what you can do today:
Audit your current mental health resources. Are they accessible? Do employees know about them? Are they actually being used?
Ask your team what they need. Anonymous surveys can reveal gaps in your current offerings.
Start small but meaningful. Even simple changes like encouraging lunch breaks away from desks can shift your culture.
Make mental health a year-round priority. May is just the beginning of an ongoing commitment.
At NW Corporate Wellness, we're passionate about helping organizations build mentally healthy workplaces where every employee can thrive. Because when your team's mental health flourishes, so does everything else.
Need help getting started? Contact us to learn more about our customized workplace mental wellness programs.