77% of workers have reported experiencing work-related stress in the last month, according to APA’s 2023 Work in America Survey. Mental health in the workplace is often a taboo subject. However, more employers are rightfully bringing the subject to light. While it varies between sectors, employees of all industries experience some level of mental stress and burnout. While HR can’t determine what’s going on in the minds of every employee, they can still take proactive action. Elearning as a tool for addressing workplace mental health is gaining traction. Learn how you can improve worker wellness using a fully remote solution.
Why addressing mental health in the workplace matters
According to a 2023 study from Gallup, 33% of the American workforce reported that their work environment had a somewhat negative impact on their mental health. For employers, employee stress can have a negative impact on the company’s bottom line. A Forbes report cites that workplace mental health costs US businesses an estimated $80 to $100 billion annually.
While the statistics paint a grim outlook, there is a silver lining. The World Health Organization estimated that every $1 spent on mental health treatment nets a $4 return in health and productivity.
Elearning best practices for promoting employee wellness
Every company will have its own unique approach to workplace wellness. However, many companies reported success by adopting some variation of the practices below.
1. List the symptoms of work burnout
It’s possible for employees to be mentally burned out, yet not realize it. Similarly, they may notice stress but fail to attribute it to their work. Create a list of symptoms that may indicate work-related stress. Typical signs include:
- Increased irritability and getting into more arguments with coworkers and even clients
- Less inclination to attend company outings
- A feeling that you’re just “going through the motions” during work hours
- Imposter syndrome
- Increased worry and doubt in response to tight deadlines
2. Encourage employees to look out for one another
This may not always be doable in a remote environment, but encourage employees to be observant of one another. If a colleague appears stressed or not like his/her usual self, be a buddy and offer support. You can offer a listening ear, or ask that person to grab a drink with you. This is important because employees may be more willing to open up to someone that’s their equal, rather than to a manager or other higher-up.
It’s important to avoid a bystander-effect culture where employees keep their heads down, so to speak, and not get involved in others’ affairs. Emphasize a team culture environment, where members elevate one another.
3. List self-care strategies at work and at home
Just as employees should look after each other, it’s equally important employees look after themselves. Fortunately, this can be done through manageable lifestyle changes. Consider these self-care routines:
- Get at least 30-minutes of exercise every day
- Take up journaling and write whatever is on your mind
- Listen to a podcast in an area of interest
- Send a hello message to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while
4. Mid-course check-in
When employees are about halfway through the course, HR can perform a wellness check. This can be a simple questionnaire asking if everything is ok at work and at home. Provide resources – including direct access to live support – for those who indicate they may be stressed.
According to Harvard Business Review, 40% of employees from around the world stated that their employers don’t perform wellness checks. These respondents also had 38% higher incidents of mental illness since the outbreak of COVID-19.
5. Create a story scenario
One way to make learning more engaging is through storytelling. Lessons can consist of a short but detailed plot with a setting and characters. The main protagonist works in an identical industry. He/she undergoes similar challenges, and stress gradually creeps in. Interweave the story into the lesson. Make the story interactive with illustrations, videos, annotations, and audio narration.
Post-story or between segments, quiz the learner on how the character can best respond to the stressful situation.
6. Promote a work-life balance
Stress in the workplace can carry over to life at home, and vice versa. This is why employees should set a clear boundary between what takes place in the office and at the homestead. Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly difficult as remote work blurs the distinction. Provide steps on how to keep the two at a healthy distance. These are good practices.
- (For managers) don’t expect employees to immediately respond to messages outside of work
- Spend at least half an hour every day engaging in a hobby, or doing something offline
- Set a manageable goal unrelated to work
- Establish a no-work-allowed time. This may be one or two hours after you come home; absolutely nothing work-related.
Are you prepared to embark on the journey of crafting impactful, user-friendly training programs aimed at enhancing well-being and mental health within your organization? At Dokeos, we’re here to assist you in developing, crafting, and delivering customized in-house training solutions that align perfectly with your distinct requirements. With Dokeos, you have the power to empower your workforce, transforming them into informed, motivated, and perpetually learning professionals. Contact us today!
Boost mental health using Dokeos LMS for eLearning
It’s not reasonable to expect a 100% stress-free environment. Stress is part of the package that comes with employment regardless of industry. However, HR can help employees keep their mental health in check through immersive eLearning solutions. With Dokeos LMS, create a course with the latest studies, insights, and actionable steps on mental wellness. With Dokeos LMS, you can create courses enriched with the latest studies, insights, and actionable steps for mental wellness. Our platform is ideal for developing training programs that enhance quality of life and working conditions within the company. Begin improving employee mental health with a free trial of Dokeos LMS today!
This addition highlights how Dokeos LMS is the ideal platform to create training programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life and working conditions within the company.
