Best Practices for Promoting Workplace Mental Wellness

How to Build a Thriving, Resilient, and Happy Workforce

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a workplace priority. As the lines between work and life continue to blur, creating a supportive, mentally healthy environment is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. Research shows that mentally well employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay.

At the Mental Health & Resilience Group, we help organizations turn this vision into reality. Here’s how you can build a workplace where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive, backed by science and best practice.

1. Create a Culture of Openness and Support

Foster an environment where it’s okay to not be okay.

• Encourage regular, stigma-free conversations about mental health.

• Normalize seeking help by sharing resources and success stories from leadership and staff alike.

• Promote empathy and emotional safety in team communication.

2. Train Leaders to Recognize and Respond

Managers are the front line of support.

• Partner with the Mental Health & Resilience Group for custom training that equips managers to recognize early signs of mental health challenges, respond with care, and model wellness.

• Leaders who actively promote work-life balance and take mental health seriously set the tone for the entire organization.

  
  

3. Build a Mental Health Champion or Liaison Program

Empower peer leaders to spark change from within.

• With our guidance, train select employees as Mental Health Champions who can be trusted colleagues who share resources, encourage help-seeking, and promote mental health initiatives.

• Champions serve as a vital bridge between staff and support systems, reducing stigma and increasing engagement.

4. Offer Evidence-Based Training Programs

Invest in practical tools that make a real impact.

• Mental Health First Aid at Work (MHFA at Work) teaches staff how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.

• Mental Health Essentials for Workplaces from the Mental Health Collaborative builds core knowledge and confidence to support a culture of wellness.

5. Conduct Regular Wellness Check-Ins and Assessments

Mental wellness isn't static, your support strategy shouldn't be either.

• Use anonymous surveys and pulse checks to stay informed on staff needs and sentiments.

• Let the data guide your ongoing wellness initiatives.

6. Enhance Access to Mental Health Resources

Remove the guesswork, make support easy to find.

• Share clear, consistent information on EAPs, crisis lines, local services, and wellness tools.

• Use internal platforms, newsletters, or Slack channels to provide bite-sized mental health tips and updates.

7. Promote Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Give employees more control over their time.

• Encourage flexible schedules and hybrid work options.

• Support the use of PTO and break times to prevent burnout and restore energy.

8. Recognize and Reward Contributions

Celebrate the small wins and the people behind them.

• Publicly recognize accomplishments, both big and small.

• Meaningful appreciation builds morale and a sense of belonging.

  • According to Dr. Laurie Santos from Yale University social connection and a sense of purpose are vital for workplace happiness. When people feel seen and valued, their well-being and their performance soar.

9. Create Safe Physical and Digital Workspaces

Design with mental health in mind.

• Provide access to natural light, quiet spaces, and comfortable break areas.

• Make digital communication inclusive and psychologically safe.

10. Engage Ongoing Expert Support

Don’t go it alone, partner with specialists to sustain your efforts.

• The Mental Health & Resilience Group provides ongoing consulting, workshops, and strategic planning to ensure your mental wellness initiatives are impactful and sustainable.

• Whether you're building a new program or scaling an existing one, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Why It Matters

Dr. Laurie Santos and researchers from Indeed have found that employee well-being is directly linked to business success. Happier employees are not only more productive—they also contribute to a more resilient and profitable workplace. Through practices like job crafting, social connection, and values-aligned work, organizations can unlock real, lasting benefits.

A 2023 Deloitte report found that for every $1 invested in mental health initiatives, employers see a return of $4 in improved productivity, retention, and reduced absenteeism. Mental wellness isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also smart business.

Ready to Prioritize Mental Wellness at Work?

Let’s work together to create a culture where mental wellness thrives.

Contact the Mental Health & Resilience Group to get started with custom training, strategic planning, and sustainable support.