Originally posted by Virtuous Circle Counselling.

Small businesses are feeling the strain of the current economic conditions. Many struggle to retain their workforce, with lower employee loyalty and job satisfaction than during the 2008 recession. The issues they face, such as economic uncertainty, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, are all taking a toll on the stability of these small businesses. They need support to survive and thrive in this challenging environment.

As a small business owner in Calgary, you must ensure that your employees are supported and that their well-being is considered. Mental health is a growing issue affecting all of us, and it is vital to ensure that the workplace is safe and supportive. Here are some tips to help small businesses support their employees’ mental health:

Establish a Positive Workplace Culture

One of the many ways to support your employees’ mental health is to establish a positive workplace culture. A positive workplace culture encourages trust, respect, and open communication. It’s also one that values diversity, celebrates successes, and encourages employees to take risks and make mistakes.

When creating a positive workplace culture, it’s important to focus on creating an environment of collaboration and support. This means fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, expressing their opinions, and working together to solve problems. You must also create an environment of respect where everyone is treated equally and with dignity.

Create a More Flexible Work Schedule

A flexible work schedule can help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. This work-life balance is essential for employees to be productive and feel healthy. With a flexible work schedule, your employees can create a schedule that works best for them and their needs. This can include starting and ending their workday at different times, taking breaks throughout the day, or working remotely.

A flexible work schedule can also reduce stress and help employees manage their mental health. Employees can better manage their time and workload by allowing them to take control of their own schedules. This can help them stay organized and on top of tasks, reducing the potential for feeling overwhelmed. Also, with a flexible work schedule, employees can take time to rest and recharge as needed. This can help them stay productive and focused on the task at hand.

Provide Mental Health Resources

Small businesses can provide mental health resources to their employees in several ways. The first is to provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs). These are programs that offer counseling and other mental health services to employees. Most EAPs are provided at no cost to the employee and can be an excellent way for small businesses to provide support to their employees.

Another way to provide mental health resources is to make sure employees have access to Calgary counselling services. This could include giving employees access to a list of local counsellors or therapists that they can contact for help. It could also include providing counselling services onsite or through an online platform.

Small businesses can also support their employees’ mental health by providing them with access to self-help resources. This could include online resources like websites, apps, and videos. It could also include books and other printed materials. By providing these resources, businesses can help their employees learn more about mental health and find ways to manage their own mental well-being.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance means employees have enough time to take care of their personal needs while completing their work-related tasks. When employees feel that they can manage their work and personal obligations, they feel more in control of their lives and more secure in their job. This can lead to an increase in job satisfaction, morale, and mental health.

There are several ways to promote work-life balance. Ensure employees are not assigned too many tasks or given unrealistic deadlines. Also, provide them with such perks as paid days off and regular breaks during their workdays. Allow them to take as much time as they need to do their work without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

By promoting work-life balance, small businesses can show their employees that they care about their mental health and well-being. This can help create a healthier, more productive work environment.

Conclusion

Small businesses need to support their employees’ mental health as it is an important factor in the company’s overall success. Mentally healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and likely to stay with the business longer. This is essential for the sustainability and growth of a business.

Small businesses can support their employees’ mental health by providing resources such as mental health policies, mental health awareness training and flexible working arrangements. By doing so, businesses can create a safe and supportive environment that encourages employees to stay healthy and be their best.

Virtuous Circle Counselling offers both in person and online counselling as well as unique services, including mental health assessments, occupational therapy and walk and talk therapy. Contact us today to learn how we can help you support your employees’ mental health!