Supporting Employees With Mental Illness: Your Role as an HR Manager

12 of September, 2023

You care about your employees, that’s why you got into the human resources field in the first place. But dealing with employees suffering from mental illness can feel overwhelming and complicated.

As an HR manager, it’s your responsibility to support these employees and make sure the work environment doesn’t negatively impact their wellbeing. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to help employees with mental illness thrive at your company.

Tools such as People Analytics can also help human resources’s professionals to get valuable insight about the employees that suffer from mental illnesses.

By educating yourself, promoting a culture of understanding, and providing reasonable accommodations, you’ll be setting your employees up for success. Your support can make a world of difference in their lives and allow their talents to shine through.

Understanding Mental Illness in the Workplace

As an HR manager, it’s important to understand that mental illness can affect anyone, and employees are no exception. Your role is key in supporting individuals dealing with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD or bipolar disorder.

Recognizing the signs

Pay attention to changes in behavior or performance that could indicate an employee is struggling. Things like increased absenteeism, difficulty concentrating or meeting deadlines, irritability or withdrawal from colleagues. Don’t ignore the signs – start a caring conversation.

Providing accommodations

Once you’re aware an employee has a mental health condition, work with them on a plan to provide necessary accommodations. This may include a flexible schedule, more frequent breaks, a quiet workspace or time off for appointments. Accommodating their needs will help reduce stress and allow them to thrive.

Educating colleagues

Educate colleagues about mental illness and ways they can show support. Explain that conditions are legitimate health issues and in no way reflect a person’s abilities or character. Promote an open, stigma-free environment where employees feel comfortable coming forward if they need help.

Checking in regularly

Schedule regular check-ins to see how the employee is doing and if additional support is needed. Let them know you genuinely care about their wellbeing. Small gestures like these can make a big difference in an employee’s recovery and motivation.

With understanding, accommodations and compassion, you have the power to make a real difference in the lives of employees facing mental health challenges. So make that difference – their health and productivity are worth it.

Providing Support for Employees With Mental Health Conditions

As an HR manager, it’s your role to support all employees, including those with mental health conditions. Here are some ways you can help:

Providing Resources

Offer resources for managing conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD or ADHD. Things like:

• Employee assistance programs for confidential counseling
• Wellness programs promoting exercise, sleep, and nutrition
• Clearly communicated mental health benefits and time off policies

Creating an Open Environment

Foster an open, inclusive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs. You can:

• Promote mental health awareness and education for all staff
• Express your support for those with mental illness and encourage open conversations
• Make accommodations like flexible work hours or telecommuting when needed

Checking In Regularly

Connecting regularly with employees shows you genuinely care about their wellbeing.

• Meet with employees returning from leave to see how they’re doing and if any additional support is needed.
• Casually ask how things are going and if there’s any way you can assist. Your concern and compassion can make a real difference.

With understanding and the right resources and environment, employees managing mental health conditions can thrive. As an HR manager, making their wellbeing a priority and providing the necessary support is one of the most impactful things you can do. Your team and company culture will be better for it.

Creating an Inclusive Work Environment for Employees With Mental Illness

To create an inclusive environment for employees with mental illness, focus on open communication and accommodation.

As an HR manager, make it clear that mental health issues are legitimate medical concerns deserving of respect and support. Promote an open-door policy and let employees know you’re there to listen without judgment. Ask how you can support them and be flexible in providing accommodations, whether it’s time off for appointments or adjustments to their workload or schedule.

It’s also important to educate employees and managers about mental health issues and resources. Offer mental health first aid or mindfulness training. Share information on conditions like depression or anxiety and ways to support affected colleagues. Promote employee assistance programs and encourage people to use them. The more mental health is discussed openly, the less stigmatized it becomes.

An inclusive work environment benefits all employees. With understanding and the right supports in place, people with mental illness can thrive at their jobs.

As HR managers, we play an important role in making that happen through open communication, education, accommodation, and a commitment to overall wellness. Creating a culture where people feel supported in all aspects of their lives leads to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

Conclusion

So there you have it, HR managers – some tips to better support employees dealing with mental health issues. Make accommodations, be flexible and understanding, focus on the person not the illness.

Your support and empathy can make a world of difference in their lives and allow their talents and skills to continue benefiting your organization. It’s not always easy, but with compassion and the right resources, you absolutely have the power to help.

Remember, any of us could be in their shoes someday. Lend a helping hand – you’ll be glad you did.