Workplace Employee Mental Health Policy Template
New! HR Toolkit now includes a Workplace Mental Health Policy.
All employee handbooks/manuals now include a pre-written example of a workplace Employee Mental Health Policy template that communicates the shared responsibility for employee mental wellbeing.
HR Toolkit Customers
Log in and locate the Mental Health Policy:
- In the Conduct section within Staff Policies towards the end of the employee handbook/manual documents. Refer to the table of contents or search "Mental Health Policy" in the document.
- You can find the employee manuals here.
Why Implement a Workplace Mental Health Policy?
Mental health is a top priority, akin to the importance of physical health. Mental illness impacts the individual's wellbeing and also impacts your business with lower productivity and higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism. Mental health issues may also contribute to:
- Turnover
- Poor performance
- Substance abuse
- Work-related accidents
- Workplace violence or harassment
The Mental Health Policy template example establishes workplace practices to:
- Minimize any negative affects our business environment may have on your mental health and ability to do your job;
- Promote and encourage Staff to realize a state of wellbeing characterized by a general perception that one’s life is going well, an ability to cope with normal stresses of life, and making a meaningful contribution to society.
What's included in the Sample Workplace Employee Mental Health Policy
The Mental Health Policy includes the following sections:
Company Responsibility
For example:
- Build and maintain a workplace environment and culture that supports mental health and wellbeing and prevents discrimination.
- Encourage Staff to take responsibility for their mental health and wellbeing.
- Increase Staff knowledge and awareness of mental health issues and behaviours.
- Reduce stigma around depression and anxiety in the Workplace.
- Provide information and access to benefits and resources that support mental health.
- Ensure that all Staff are made aware of this Policy.
Manager Responsibility
For example:
- Actively support and foster understanding and implementation of this Policy and promoting a positive Workplace culture.
- Develop a capacity to recognize and support workers with mental health problems and illness.
Employee Responsibility
For example:
- Support and contribute to the Company’s aim of providing a mentally healthy and supportive environment for Staff.
- Take reasonable care that your actions do not affect the welfare of others in the Workplace.
- Recognize and support the mental health and wellbeing of others in the Workplace.
- Recognize your role in creating and maintaining a healthy workplace.
- Take reasonable care of your own mental health and wellbeing.
- Ask for help when you’re feeling unable to cope.
Procedures
This section outlines what the procedures an employee is asked to follow if they're experiencing mental health challenges.
What are mental health issues?
Mental health concerns include any condition that negatively affects an individual's state of mind and may include:
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Depression
- Stress
- Nervous breakdown
- Substance abuse.
Mental health concerns manifest in various ways. Some individuals may exhibit no physical side effects, while others may experience physical symptoms including increased blood pressure, lethargy, changes in eating habits.
Factors that cause mental health issues
An individual may experience challenges with mental health for many reasons that are outside of your control as an employer. (e.g. hereditary factors, family conflicts, general health.)
Workplace mental health issues may include:
- Unpleasant relationships with colleagues or managers
- Excessive pressure
- Lack of feedback or appreciation
- Hostile workplace conditions
- Unsatisfactory job or workload
- Job insecurity
- Work-life imbalance
To every extent possible, an employer must aim to recognize and address causes of workplace mental illness triggers that can negatively contribute to mental health issues.