10 Unique Approaches To Mental Health Support In The Workplace

Building a healthier workforce

Supporting employee mental health requires more than periodic team-building exercises - it demands innovative, tailored, and sustained strategies. In this article, human resources (HR) leaders and executive coaches share ten unique and impactful approaches to fostering mental well-being in the workplace. From integrating mental health micro-moments to embracing “No-Meeting Fridays,” these expert insights offer actionable ideas to transform how organizations prioritize and support their teams' mental health.
 

• Integrate Mental Health Micro-Moments
• Implement Weekly Mindfulness Sessions
• Introduce Wellness Wednesdays
• Adopt Multifaceted Burnout Prevention
• Enhance Social Connections
• Build Trust Through Everyday Interactions
• Utilize Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Strategy
• Ensure Confidential Mental Health Support
• Encourage PTO and Self-Care Activities
• Implement No-Meeting Fridays

Integrate Mental Health Micro-Moments

One approach I implemented to support employee mental health was integrating mental health "micro-moments" into the workday. These are short, intentional breaks for activities such as guided breathing exercises, mindfulness prompts, or a quick walk outside, encouraged and supported by leadership. These moments were embedded into team meetings, scheduled calendars, and workplace culture—normalizing the need for mental health resets without stigma.

The impact was profound: within three months, we saw a 27% decrease in reported stress levels in pulse surveys and a noticeable increase in productivity metrics. Employees shared that these small but intentional pauses helped them feel more focused, engaged, and valued, as the initiative signaled the organization's genuine commitment to their well-being.

My suggestion for others looking to improve mental health support is to avoid overwhelming employees with large-scale programs that feel like "extra work." Instead, start small and integrate mental health practices into daily operations. For example, train managers to check in with employees using empathetic, open-ended questions like, "How can I support you today?" Normalize talking about mental health and actively demonstrate support from leadership. Employees don't just need policies; they need proof that mental health is a priority in action, not just in words.
 

Patty Miller, President & Sr. HR/Business Advisor, MillerNet HR & Business Solutions Inc.

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Implement Weekly Mindfulness Sessions

I once implemented a weekly mindfulness and meditation session for our employees. This was in response to the growing concern about stress, burnout, and mental health issues among our team members. The sessions were led by a certified mindfulness coach and provided a safe space for our employees to unwind, destress, and focus on their well-being.

The impact of this approach was significant. It improves employee morale and reduces stress levels, which results in enhanced productivity and creativity in the workplace. Our team members reported feeling more focused, energized, and motivated after attending these sessions. According to a study by the Mental Health Foundation, mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress levels by up to 28% and improve overall well-being. 

I would highly recommend practicing regular mindfulness activities in the workplace to support employee mental health. It not only benefits the well-being of employees but also has a positive impact on overall business performance. For instance, implementing a wellness program can reduce absenteeism and turnover rates while boosting employee engagement and satisfaction.
 

Daniel Cook, HR Executive, Mullen and Mullen

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Introduce Wellness Wednesdays

At Slipintosoft, we implemented a unique strategy to support employee mental health called “Wellness Wednesdays.” It involves giving employees an hour-long break every Wednesday to attend a virtual wellness session that includes activities like yoga, meditation, or mental health workshops. These activities have helped reduce stress, boosted team morale, and improved overall productivity. Since the onset of the program, we've seen a 20% decrease in reported cases of work-related stress and anxiety. 

A suggestion I would offer to others looking to improve mental health support is to make it a regular rather than an occasional focus. Particularly emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about mental health can foster an environment of understanding and empathy among team members. Remember, the mental well-being of your team is essential to a healthy and productive workplace.
 

Linda Moore, Head of HR, Slipintosoft

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Adopt Multifaceted Burnout Prevention

When it comes to burnout prevention and mental health, I advocate for a multifaceted and multidimensional approach. One example is my structured program, Realign and Thrive, designed for teams facing challenges like high turnover, low morale, presenteeism, and increased sick days—all common indicators of burnout. 

The program combines facilitated workshops that help participants recognize early signs of burnout, unpack beliefs and mindsets around work and rest, and address behaviors driven by perfectionism, people-pleasing, and hyper-responsibility. These are complemented by group coaching sessions, providing tailored support for individual experiences and new goals.

The impact is transformative for both individuals and teams. Employees report increased energy, renewed drive, and stronger collaboration, while organizations see improved productivity and reduced turnover within a quarter. For organizations seeking to support mental health, I recommend implementing a holistic approach that empowers employees to take ownership of their well-being by promoting a holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
 

Yana Carstens, Holistic Life & Wellness Coach, Realign and Thrive, LLC

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Enhance Social Connections

As an Organizational Psychology Consultant, I've implemented a strategy that aligns closely with the idea that work can be a protective factor against poor mental health. In my experience, one of the most effective ways to support employee mental health is by enhancing social connections within the workplace. This approach highlights social connection as a critical tool for reducing the negative effects of mental health challenges, such as burnout, depression, and anxiety.

One specific intervention I've successfully implemented involves creating structured opportunities for social engagement and building supportive relationships among team members. This initiative was designed to promote a sense of belonging and inclusion, which is essential for mental well-being. By facilitating regular team-building activities, peer support networks, and cross-functional collaborations, employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the organization as a whole.

This approach addresses psychosocial hazards in the workplace by preventing isolation, which can exacerbate stress and mental health issues. The positive impact on mental health was immediate: employees reported feeling more supported, engaged, and able to manage work-related stress more effectively.
 

James Rose, Award-Winning Therapist & C-Suite Executive Coach, James Rose Coaching

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Build Trust Through Everyday Interactions

The process of seeking mental health support in the workplace is a slippery slope at times due to confidentiality, trust, as well as general stigma. Our unique employee wellness model provides in-the-moment support, as well as scheduled solution-focused sessions, internally. An interpersonal approach that I lead with is to gain trust with employees prior to their need for support. Creating rapport and developing relational bonds during everyday interactions plant intentional seeds of trust that often will bloom into a trusting therapeutic relationship. Normalize talk about mental health, be a living example of what it means to be human, and create an atmosphere where employees feel safe to make the first step.
 

Andrea Ciaravino, EAP Coordinator, HR, Broward Health

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Utilize Comprehensive EAP Strategy

At our organization, we have a comprehensive EAP strategy. It is a benefit that we offer and promote right from the onset of a new hire's employment. We periodically hold group debrief sessions with a mental health professional from our EAP provider for our employees, at no cost to the employees. We also provide employees the opportunity to schedule one-on-one sessions with the mental health professional from our EAP provider after the group debrief sessions, again at no cost to them. 

We also encourage employees to utilize our EAP services during difficult times such as personal loss, a medical circumstance, and/or other situations that are adversely impacting an employee's mental health. It's important for employers to take a multifaceted and holistic approach when considering the needs of their employees. For our organization, taking such an approach has shown us a positive impact in multiple areas, such as turnover, retention, and engagement.
 

Mayank Singh, Director of Human Resources, Coordinated Family Care

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Ensure Confidential Mental Health Support

A while back, one of the employees at our company shared a concern with me - he said the number one reason he is afraid to open up to the company's psychologist is because he worries that his conversations with her, though private, aren't exactly confidential. He was worried that the things he discussed with her might come back to bite him. 

In order to ensure that he and other employees who felt the same way fully benefited and were not deprived, one approach I implemented to support employee mental health was adopting an employee assistance program with mental health coaching. To further ensure that this approach was effective and that employees' concerns of confidentiality were effectively addressed, I ensured that access to employees’ EAP records was limited only to authorized personnel. Also, through regular audits, I make sure that our EAP services are maintaining confidentiality. This way, I have been able to ensure that employees feel confident enough to trust that their private discussions will be protected and will, therefore, seek the help and assistance they need. 

To others looking to improve mental health support in their organization, my advice is that they do the same.
 

Umeadi Grace chisom, Human Resources Leader, Express Dentist

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Encourage PTO and Self-Care Activities

We take mental health and well-being seriously at B.Komplete, and to help our employees and interns, we provide resources and encourage PTO and self-care activities. During orientation, we teach several guided meditations and encourage our employees and interns to continue the practice. We share self-care resources on healthy movement at the office, how to save money and time at the grocery store, ways to practice mindfulness, and much more. We have a "bring your pet to work" office policy and encourage time in nature with our walking meetings. And when work becomes extra stressful, we celebrate progress with recognition and bonuses.
 

Beryl Krinsky, Founder & CEO, B.Komplete

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Implement No-Meeting Fridays

No-Meeting Friday is a great way for employees to take the day to do the administrative tasks they need, take care of personal errands, catch up from the week and take moments to breathe. Typically, Mon-Thurs are meeting-heavy days. To avoid overwhelm and burnout, you must give your employees moments of time to recalibrate and center themselves.
 

Neelu Kaur, Author, Speaker, Exec Coach, & Wellness Stress Mgt Expert, Sattvic Living LLC

Brett Farmiloe is the CHRO and CEO of Featured.