May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being. For employers and HR leaders, it’s also a powerful reminder: supporting employee mental health is no longer optional—it’s essential.
As stress, burnout, and anxiety continue to rise across industries, creating a workplace that actively supports mental wellness isn’t just the compassionate choice—it’s a strategic one. At Comploy, we believe that prioritizing mental health is a key part of building a resilient, people-first culture where both businesses and employees thrive.
Why Mental Health Should Be a Business Priority
According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of employees have experienced work-related stress in the past month. While occasional stress is manageable, chronic stress and unaddressed mental health challenges can lead to burnout, disengagement, absenteeism, and costly turnover.
It’s not just a people issue—it’s a business one. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.
Investing in mental wellness isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic decision that can improve morale, performance, and retention.
Employees Expect More—And Deserve It
Today’s workforce expects more than a paycheck. Employees are looking for flexibility, purpose, and workplaces that recognize them as whole people—not just job titles. Mental health support is no longer seen as a perk, but a necessity.
According to a Glassdoor survey, 87% of employees expect their employer to support them in balancing work and life responsibilities. Employers who meet this expectation see stronger engagement and loyalty, while those who don’t risk losing top talent.
HR’s Role in Leading the Conversation
As an HR partner, Comploy helps organizations build cultures that support well-being—not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but year-round.
HR leaders are in a unique position to:
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Normalize open, stigma-free conversations around mental health
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Equip managers with tools to support their teams
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Promote benefits like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), telehealth, and wellness resources
A mentally healthy workplace isn’t built overnight. It’s built through intentional, consistent action—starting with HR.
Getting Started: Small Steps That Make a Difference
You don’t need a big budget to begin prioritizing employee well-being. A few practical steps to consider:
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Promote mental health days as a valid and encouraged use of PTO
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Audit and clearly communicate your benefits related to emotional wellness
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Designate “no meeting” hours to reduce digital fatigue
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Gather feedback to understand what your employees need to feel supported
Final Thought
Mental health isn’t a trend—it’s a critical piece of a thriving workplace. This May, take the opportunity to assess where your organization stands—and where it can grow.
At Comploy, we help companies build policies, systems, and cultures that support the whole employee. Let’s create workplaces where people don’t just work—they thrive.
Sources:
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American Psychological Association. 2023 Work in America Survey. APA.org
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World Health Organization. Mental health at work. WHO.int
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Glassdoor. Introducing the Glassdoor Employee Confidence Index. Glassdoor.com