Employee health and wellness continues to be a leading concern for employers, HR leaders, and wellness program brokers. But while physical wellness often gets the spotlight, mental health is an equally critical issue—one that directly affects productivity, morale, and retention.
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. So what can employers do to address mental health in the workplace and minimize this kind of absenteeism?
Normalize Conversations and Remove Barriers
The first step is reducing stigma. Mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, or burnout should be treated with the same urgency and compassion as physical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
In fact, 76% of employees say they would be more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes mental health, yet 76% also feel their employer does not make mental health a priority. This gap presents a major opportunity for forward-thinking organizations.
Demand for Mental Health Support Is Growing
The demand for mental health and wellness benefits is on the rise. Recent data from HR platform Modern Health shows a 32% increase in employee usage of mental health services year over year, with employees under 35 driving most of the demand..
This increase suggests not only greater awareness but a strong desire for accessible, employer-sponsored support. Employees are ready to engage—but only if the programs are relevant, easy to access, and inclusive.
Beyond Insurance: Build a Culture of Connection
Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or mental health coverage as part of insurance plans. But true mental wellness at work also comes from human connection and a sense of community.
Something as simple as regularly scheduled team lunches, walking meetings, or after-hours creative activities like paint nights can go a long way. These informal touch points provide outlets for social bonding, encourage authentic conversations, and make it easier for employees to speak up when they’re struggling.
Creating a culture of connection doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional.
Use Incentives to Boost Participation
Even the best programs fall flat if participation is low. That’s where incentivized engagement can play a key role.
Offer small but meaningful rewards to employees who participate in wellness workshops, mental health training, or peer support groups. Whether it’s recognizing attendance at stress management sessions or rewarding participation in mindfulness challenges, gift cards can be a powerful motivator.
With the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, powered by GiftCard Partners, employers can easily deliver digital or physical gift cards to employees as part of their wellness initiatives. From coffee shop gift cards to health-focused retailers, hundreds of gift card rewards can be personalized and delivered instantly via email or text—making appreciation both scalable and impactful.
Mental Wellness Is a Business Strategy
Investing in employee mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic business move. Organizations with strong mental health support experience lower turnover, higher engagement, and a 4x return on investment for every dollar spent on mental health programs.
Prioritizing mental wellness is no longer optional. It’s a competitive advantage.
Make Mental Health a Pillar of Your Culture
Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health in every employee wellness strategy. Start by opening conversations, creating supportive team connections, and incentivizing participation through simple recognition and rewards.
Ready to motivate employees and support their wellness goals? Explore how the Engage2Reward Platform can power your wellness programs with scalable, personalized recognition tools. Contact our team today to learn more.
