The COVID-19 pandemic caused "a seismic shift" that resulted in companies reassessing how they address employee mental health and well-being, said Hassan Choughari, head of human capital at Jaroudi Group, for Forbes.  

In this piece, he made a case that prioritizing mental health is not just good for employees but also for business. 

With remote work becoming the norm, the disappearing boundaries between work and home considerably affected employee mental health. Choughari referenced a 2022 report by the World Health Organization that said that the worldwide prevalence of anxiety and depression rose by 25% during the pandemic’s first year. 

Choughari made a business case for prioritizing mental health by citing Deloitte, which said that firms investing in mental health initiatives saw an average return of 5:1 because fewer employees were absent at work and turnover was reduced. Additionally, these firms can better attract and retain top talent, given that potential recruits are increasingly looking for workplaces that prioritize their well-being. 

He explained that fostering a mentally healthy workplace boosts organizational resilience. In times of crisis, employees with solid mental health backing are more likely to adapt, be productive, and contribute innovative solutions. 

In this post-pandemic environment, Choughari said, mental health is no longer peripheral but a top business priority requiring strategic attention and investment beyond generic wellness programs. 

Choughari advocates for integrating mental health into workplace culture. Employees face increased workloads and fewer boundaries between their work and home lives. Firms must take proactive initiatives to prevent staff burnout such as going beyond surface-level programs and embedding mental health support into the workplace culture.  

Strategies for integrating mental health into the office culture include the following:  

• Train leaders to support their staff's mental health. Cultivating a culture that promotes well-being starts at the top. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the approach to mental health by modeling healthy behaviors and fostering an environment where employees can safely talk about mental health challenges. 

• Offer more flexible work. The pandemic demonstrated that flexible work is feasible and suitable for many employees. Look for ways to offer flexible arrangements that accommodate employees' mental health needs through remote work, flexible hours or mental health days.  

• Find ways to redistribute tasks and assess workload assignments. These are vital strategies to ensure employees have the proper resources to manage their tasks effectively. By holding regular check-ins and opening communication lines, managers can identify which employees are struggling and provide timely support. 

• Provide access to support and mental health resources. These resources include employee assistance programs, counseling services and mental health apps. Companies should ensure that these are readily available and well promoted so everyone knows how to access them in times of need. 

Choughari said the post-pandemic era offers firms a unique chance to redefine their mental health and well-being approach.  As organizations make future plans, it is key to recognize that mental health will remain a central concern for employees. Not prioritizing it risks the workforce's well-being and the firm's long-term competitiveness. 
 
Building a company's sustainable future entails pursuing innovative mental health support solutions, such as creating programs that address emerging mental health challenges, leveraging technology to offer personalized support and fostering an environment of constant learning and adaptation. 
 
Choughari said making mental health a core business priority creates a more resilient, engaged, and productive workforce that's well-equipped to flourish in an evolving world.