Workplaces thrive when their people do. A mentally healthy workforce is not just good for employees—it’s good for business, driving positive outcomes in everything from workplace culture to cost savings. Beyond the numbers though, fostering a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued creates stronger, more engaged teams and a culture of care.
Still investing in employee mental health is a choice, and not investing has drastic consequences. According to a 2024 report from Mental Health America, “Three in four employees agreed that work stress affects their sleep. However, 90% of employees in unhealthy workplaces agreed with this statement, compared to 44% in healthy workplaces,” highlighting the massive delta between healthy and unhealthy workplaces. Luckily, investing in employee mental well-being also has consequences, and they are positive! Here’s just a few:
- Higher Productivity: Findings from the World Health Organization indicate that “depression and anxiety [alone] cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year predominantly from reduced productivity.” Creating cultures of support can reduce losses in areas like absenteeism and overall productivity.
- Reduced Turnover: Hiring can be a major business expense, with turnover costing time, organizational knowledge, and more. Companies that prioritize mental health see lower burnout rates and stronger employee retention. In a 2021 report on workplace mental health, 50% of those surveyed reported leaving a role due to unaddressed mental health challenges.
- Stronger Workplace Culture: We all want to work at a place that has strong values and cares about us as people, not just workers. Investing in workplace culture has huge benefits, and has been shown to outperform individual interventions when it comes to outcomes like reducing burnout and increasing productivity.
At Tampa Bay Thrives, we believe that mental health belongs at the center of workplace conversations. Organizations that embrace this mindset don’t just support their employees; they set the foundation for long-term business success. The good news? There’s a roadmap to making it happen:
- Advocate for mental health at work: Whether you’re a leader or an employee, start the conversation about mental health policies, resources, and cultural shifts that benefit everyone. Not sure where to begin? The American Psychological Association has a handy list of evidence-based suggestions.
- Be receptive to feedback: Encourage open dialogue and translate feedback into tangible changes and improvements so that employees know they’re heard and valued. In one survey “employees who agreed that their employer’s benefits met their needs, 81% strongly agreed that their employer makes changes based on their feedback.”
- Apply for the Bell Seal Certification: Join leading organizations committed to workplace well-being! Learn more and apply here.
Mental health isn’t just an individual concern—it’s a workplace imperative. By taking intentional steps to support employees’ well-being, businesses can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s work together to make Tampa Bay’s workplaces the model for employee mental health and well-being.
