Mental Health Awareness Month is a good time to reflect on how our mental health is impacted by our jobs, personal and professional relationships, extracurricular activities, and more. Research shows that work stress, in particular, can have a dominating effect on people’s lives, impeding their ability to fully show up to work, maintain healthy relationships, and properly care for their minds and bodies. In fact, in Headspace’s annual survey of mental health trends in the workplace, nearly half (47%) of employees and two-thirds (66%) of CEOs say the majority of their stress or all of their stress comes from work, rather than their personal lives. 

Reducing stress in the workplace helps both the employees and the employer. When a company gives their employees the tools to manage stress better, it ensures they can bring their best selves to work, collaborate more effectively with their colleagues, and find greater purpose and satisfaction in their jobs – which leads to better business outcomes.

In our guide “How organizations can support employees in managing work stress,” we take a look at the impacts of work stress on employees’ lives and provide actionable tips for companies to create a more supportive work environment.

The cost of workplace stress

According to a joint study by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health, the cost of mental health conditions – and related consequences – is projected to rise to $6 trillion globally by 2030. Work-related stress, which drives absenteeism, presenteeism, and employee turnover,  is a clear contributor to this cost. Research also shows the personal costs of work stress for employees, which includes poor physical and mental health, failures in personal relationships, and difficulties caring for their family’s or children’s mental health. 

The role of managers in addressing workplace stress‍

As leaders who set a tone and establish protocols for their teams, managers can play a significant role in lowering stress levels and improving mental health in the workplace. They can take simple actions to support their teams, including:

• Encouraging team members to sign off at a certain time and not respond to work messages outside of work hours
• Providing guidance on projects to prioritize and effectively managing team members’ bandwidth
• Ending meetings on time and including time for transition breaks
• Making it clear when employees are expected to be available and when there is flexibility 
• Promoting open communication so employees feel comfortable asking for flexibility or specific accommodations when they need it

What’s especially critical is that managers are well-prepared to support their teams. Research shows that while 48% of employees report that they turn to their managers for mental health support, only 24% of HR leaders say that managers at their organization are required to take mental health specific training. Leadership training and mental-health specific training for managers would help them to better support their employees and respond more effectively when challenging situations arise. 

An organizational commitment to less stress

To create a healthier, happier workplace, companies can take an active role in reducing the levels of stress among their employees. In addition to providing mental healthcare benefits, employers can further support their employees by implementing organization-wide practices to offset stress in the workplace. 

For example, employee resource groups (ERGs) can create safe spaces for employees to connect with individuals of similar backgrounds and lived experiences, allowing them to find support among their colleagues. Headspace also holds every other Fridays as a no-meeting day for extra focus time and offers “MINDays”  – days when employees can unplug and take care of their minds throughout the year. 

Ensuring that employees have opportunities for mentorship and professional development is also key. In the American Psychological Associations’ 2023 Work in America Survey, employees who were somewhat or very satisfied with their opportunities for growth and development more often reported good or excellent mental health (79%) than those who were unsatisfied (52%). 

By helping employees combat work stress, companies will be able to see positive changes on all levels – healthier, happier individuals, more harmonious teams, and better business outcomes.

Interested in learning about how Headspace can help your organization reduce stress and improve employee mental health? Contact us here.