In recent years, mental health has emerged as a critical focus in the workplace, with organizations recognizing its impact on employee wellbeing and overall business performance. However, despite increased awareness, there remains a gap in the level of support employees need versus what is often available through organizations. This support gap can lead to negative culture, higher turnover, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs, all underscoring the importance of a proactive, inclusive approach by employers.

Why Mental Health Matters at Work

Employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work. It is where they build careers, form relationships, and encounter both triumphs and challenges. Yet, many face stressors in the workplace such as tight deadlines, high workloads, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal obligations. Poor mental health can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. For employers, supporting mental health goes beyond “doing the right thing”—it directly impacts employee engagement, productivity, and company culture.

Recognizing and Bridging the Support Gap

Many workplaces have established Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), offered flexible working arrangements, or introduced wellness initiatives. Yet, a significant number of employees may still feel unsupported, often due to a lack of accessibility, engagement, or meaningful ways to seek help. To bridge this gap, employers need to implement strategies that promote an environment where mental health is prioritized and supported on an ongoing basis.

Here are some practical steps employers can take to close this divide:

1. Cultivate a Culture of Openness: Leaders and managers must foster a culture where it is safe to discuss mental health. Open dialogue reduces stigma and encourages employees to seek help when needed.
2. Offer Meaningful Benefits and Support: Beyond traditional EAPs, providing counseling services, wellness incentives, and peer support networks can make a tangible difference. Making these resources visible and easily accessible is key.
3. Provide Training and Education: Mental health education, workshops, and seminars help employees and managers alike recognize the signs of mental distress, offering a framework for supporting each other and knowing when to seek professional intervention.
4. Measure, Evaluate, and Improve: Use surveys and data-driven tools to assess employee wellbeing and the effectiveness of mental health initiatives. This helps tailor solutions to meet the needs of an organization’s unique workforce and demonstrates a commitment to meaningful support.

How GoPivot Includes Mental Health Support In Overall Employee Wellbeing

At GoPivot, we recognize that mental health is central to overall employee wellness. Our proprietary SMILE Emotional Wellbeing Survey empowers employees to assess and reflect on their emotional health, offering personalized insights and actionable recommendations. By tying point-earning opportunities to employer-supported mental health activities, such as counseling sessions, meditation practices, gratitude challenges, or participation in wellness seminars, we make it easier—and more rewarding—for employees to prioritize their mental health.

Furthermore, GoPivot integrates with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other mental health-related benefits, offering seamless access to resources and support. Our platform also provides educational opportunities through webinars and seminars, fostering a culture of ongoing learning and engagement. GoPivot often hosts webinars where we discuss wellness-related topics like the post-pandemic corporate landscape and why mental health is so important in the workplace. Watch this webinar: Mental Health Matters or this one: Post-Pandemic: The Changing Work Landscape

When mental health is supported in a thoughtful, comprehensive manner, organizations benefit from increased employee engagement, improved productivity, and a stronger, more resilient company culture. GoPivot is here to help employers bridge the gap, making meaningful mental health support a reality for every workplace.