THE LINK BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION

Multiple factors play a role in employee attrition. It could be lack of growth and progression, being overworked,  feeling undervalued as well as other personal reasons. However, there are studies indicating that employees rate mental health support services as one of their most valued employee benefit offered by their company.  Many indicate that they would leave their current company for a workplace that gave more emphasis to employee mental health. This says something alarming about the current scenario of well-being among employees in the workplace. Mental health, then, and consideration for it plays an important role in employee wellbeing, and consequently employee retention.

Poor mental wellbeing impacts employee performance and retention as indicated by increased sickness absence, lower productivity levels, higher employee turnover, lack of development and performance improvement and a less diverse workforce.

What is the missing link here? The key is to invest in your employees’ well-being.

This is where introducing as well as maintaining a robust Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, in the workplace can pay rich dividends in the long run. A good EAP service can help tackle retention challenges by helping improve the mental well-being of employees. Employees expect their company to fund the EAP benefit that includes mental health counselling, wellbeing workshops, diet and nutrition counselling, work-life assistance, legal/financial counselling, in addition to  proactive programs for resilience and mindfulness.

Some employees may not know what qualifies as the right time to seek help. If you or someone you work with are experiencing some or any of these signs, you may benefit from the EAP services:

• Trouble concentrating

• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress

• Trembling or shaking

• Mood swings

• Withdrawal from loved ones

• Upset stomach

• Chronic fatigue

• Changes in sleep patterns and appetite

 EAPs help employees achieve a better work-life balance, higher morale, boosts in self-esteem, a sense of being valued and overall better physical and mental health. On the organizational front, one can see boosts in productivity, lower levels of absenteeism, conducive work environment and less turnover. Access to mental well-being services is every employee’s right and EAPs provide services that are safe, confidential, free of cost and proven to enhance levels of well-being.

The message to employees is this: Whether what you are going through is related to stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, workplace violence, financial difficulties, family issues, relationship problems or substance use or anything else, please don’t hesitate to seek help. These services are for you to utilise. Taking care of yourself is easier if you know your organization has your back.

The message for organizations when it comes to employee retention is as simple as it is obvious – an employee will stay where they are valued, where their needs are met, where they feel cared for. A healthy and conducive work culture will also attract the best talent in the market. Happier people make loyal employees. Invest in your employees’ well-being

Author: Debanjali Saha

Debanjali Saha is a counselling psychologist who works primarily with young adults using a compassion-focused approach in therapy. She is very passionate about Self-Compassion, a topic she has been researching since 2014. She has started a wellness community called Couch of Compassion, where she tries to help people relate to themselves with kindness through her writing and workshops.