As the impact of workplace stress on employee well-being and productivity becomes increasingly clear, leaders must prioritize mental health in the workplace. A Mental Health Index study by LifeWorks shows that Canadians are reporting an increase in stress in the workplace, namely young people, parents and managers. The study found 24 per cent of respondents reported their work has hindered their mental health, and 20 percent of workers reported feeling in crisis or having concerns about their ability to cope. This underscores the need for a proactive mental health strategy in every workplace to improve employee retention and productivity.

To create an effective mental health strategy, leaders can take the following steps:

1. Establish mental health and well-being as a top organizational priority by developing a written strategy, setting goals and deadlines, and allocating the necessary resources.
2. Invest in developing emotionally intelligent managers who possess skills such as conflict management, effective communication, and unconscious bias.
3. Encourage the use of paid time off, mental health days, and regular holidays to ensure that employees have the time to take care of their mental health.
4. Promote overall health and wellness in the workplace by offering benefits such as access to mental health apps, discounts to gyms and yoga studios, and meditation or yoga classes.

Leaders act now to develop and implement a mental health strategy. 

Taking immediate action to develop and implement a mental health strategy is imperative for leaders to support their employees. This approach can not only enhance the well-being of employees, but also contribute to greater productivity and success in the workplace. If you're looking for support to achieve this, consider checking out Crestcom Eastern Canada's Leadership Development Programs, which can help you prepare and stay ahead of the curve.