How Employers Can Help Employees Take Care of Their Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a great time for employers to think about how they can support their teams. Good mental health helps people feel better, work better, and live better. And the good news? Small steps can make a big difference.

As an employer, you have the power to help your employees care for their mental health. This does not have to be hard or expensive. It starts with awareness and simple actions.

Why mental health matters at work

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and handle stress. When employees struggle with mental health, it can affect their work. They may feel tired, distracted, or burned out.

Here is what the data tells us

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults (23.4%) experience a mental health condition each year¹
Depression alone causes an estimated 200 million lost workdays annually, costing employers up to $44 billion²
Depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion per year in lost productivity³
Employees with good mental health are more focused, creative, and engaged at work

The bottom line: Mental health is not just a personal issue. It is a workplace issue. And employers who invest in it see real results — lower turnover, fewer absences, and stronger team performance.

Who is at risk for mental health issues

The truth is that anyone can struggle with their mental health. It does not matter how strong, smart, or successful a person is. But some situations can raise the risk. As an employer, knowing these risk factors can help you better support your team.

High-pressure jobs with heavy workloads or tight deadlines
Little control over job duties or decisions
Long or unpredictable hours
Conflict with coworkers or managers
Lack of recognition or feeling undervalued
Job insecurity or fear of layoffs
Remote or isolated work with little social connection

No one is immune. That is why a culture of openness and support matters for every single person on your team.

Common warning signs and symptoms

It can be hard to know what is normal when it comes to mental health. There is no simple test, and some behaviors may be typical or linked to a physical illness. Still, there are warning signs you and your managers can learn to spot. Noticing them early can make a real difference.

Symptoms of mental illness in adolescents and adults⁴

Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes along with a racing heart, physical discomfort, or difficulty breathing
Feeling excessively sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Confused thinking or problems concentrating, learning, or staying still
Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
Abuse of substances such as alcohol or drugs
An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

If an employee mentions feeling hopeless or talks about harming themselves, take it seriously right away. Connect them with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or encourage them to call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

You can also contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and support programs are available in your community.

How to promote positive mental health and well-being

Supporting mental health at work does not have to be complicated or expensive. It starts with small, intentional actions that show employees you value them. A supportive network can be very helpful to a person suffering from poor mental health.

Specific ways to help

Try to keep an open mind
Be patient
Don’t judge
Listen if the person wants to talk
Show you care and remind the person that many others do too
Be consistent in your actions and reactions related to the person

Take action this May

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that mental health cannot wait. The actions you take as an employer, big or small, can change someone’s life. You do not have to have all the answers. You just have to show your team that you care. Start with one step this month: send a wellness email, host a lunch-and-learn, remind employees about your EAP, or simply check in with someone who seems to be struggling.

A healthier, happier team starts with you.

¹ National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental Health By the Numbers. https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC. Mental Health and Chronic Diseases.

³ World Health Organization. Mental Health at Work. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work

⁴ National Alliance on Mental Illness. 10 Common Warning Signs of a Mental Health Condition in Teens and Young Adults, 2021. https://www.nami.org/video-resource-library/10-common-warning-signs-of-a-mental-health-condition-in-teens-and-young-adults/