8 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Team’s Mental Health

Let’s be real: it’s been a tough few years and the events of the world have taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Employers recognize this but wonder what they can do with limited resources. The good news is they employers can do a lot for their employee’s mental health and well-being by fostering more flexibility, connection, and support without spending a lot of money.

Mental Health Days

Providing additional paid time off for employees to use for their mental health goes a long way toward making them feel supported. Considering that employees are not likely to do their best work when they are feeling off, it’s not too much of a financial sacrifice for most employers (depending on the business they’re in). Employers can also offer employees a full mental health week after a particularly stressful period of work.

Flexible Work Schedules

Whether it’s working from home, shifting hours, or working longer hours four days per week to take the fifth day off, employees love extra flexibility. Employees without flexible work schedules are more likely to have poor or very poor mental health. Typically, flexible work schedules also boost employee productivity without adding to an employer’s bottom line. Win-win! 

Volunteer Time

The act of volunteering can actually boost people’s mental health, so why not give employees a certain number of paid work hours per month to volunteer their time with an organization of their choosing? 

Peer Recognition

Everyone likes to know that they are appreciated! Create a forum for employees to shout out their teammates for their hard work. This has the added benefit of creating an overall more positive work atmosphere for all employees.

Mentor or Buddy Program

Give employees more ways to connect and support each other through a mentor or buddy program. If it fits in the budget, provide a stipend for activities. 

Summer Hours

Different times of year spark certain feelings and the summer calls for a little extra relaxation. This is a time of year when many people want to maximize time outdoors and time with their families. Many people take a vacation during this time anyways. Some employers recognize “summer hours” by closing early on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Dog-Friendly Policies

It’s no secret that many people added a pet to their home during the past few years. Nearly 20% of households welcomed a new cat or dog into their family during the first year of the pandemic. Employees who worked from home for a while and have since returned to the office might want to bring their furry friends along. Consider implementing a “Bring Your Dog to Work” day or institute a dog-friendly workspace. This also might help employees save on dog care expenses.

Financial Wellness Benefits

Financial struggles are a major source of stress for many people and they can’t leave it at the office door. Financial literacy education and one-on-one coaching can help alleviate that by equipping employees to take action on their financial concerns. 

The Financial Gym is a national, personal financial services company with a fitness-inspired approach. Certified Financial Trainers™ work with employees one-on-one via corporate partnerships virtually across the country. 

Want our services at your company? Intro us to your HR or Employee Benefits team so we can help your colleagues and team members! Contact us at enterprise@fingyms.com or submit an inquiry.