The United States is in a mental health crisis — and that’s no exaggeration.
One in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Health. Additionally, a staggering 84% of respondents in a Mind Share Partners study said their workplace has negatively impacted their mental health, while 76% reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition.
These statistics are sobering — they’re also indicative of a broader, systemic mental health emergency that involves and has been exacerbated by the workplace. For this reason, more businesses are starting to prioritize the holistic well-being of their employees and helping remove the stigma associated with mental health services.
In this blog post, we’ll define what holistic well-being at work actually means and provide guidance for job hunters seeking an environment that supports mental health.
The 8 pillars of holistic well-being
Holistic well-being is an umbrella term that describes a multipronged approach to mental health. It encompasses all aspects of a person’s well-being and can be broken down into eight distinct subcategories:
- Physical health. The health and wellness of the body, relating to things like physical fitness, joyful movement, nutrition, sleep hygiene, getting sufficient rest and the absence of illness or disease.
- Emotional health. The mental and emotional wellness of an individual, including the ability to identify and regulate emotions, make healthy choices rooted in values, experience resilience and effectively cope across the mental health spectrum.
- Intellectual health. The state of one’s mental well-being and the capacity for critical thinking, learning, cognitive growth, utilizing personal strengths, flexibility and creativity.
- Spiritual health. A sense of connection, meaning, purpose and hope. A sense of inner peace that aligns with personal values and beliefs.
- Environmental health. The state of internal balance felt through one’s connection to the external environment and its impact on life and health.
- Financial health. The overall wellness and stability of an individual’s financial situation, including the ability to meet needs and obligations, plan for the future and achieve financial goals.
- Occupational health. One’s satisfaction and purpose in their job and career. The welfare and safety of individuals in their work environment, from managing workplace conditions and hazards to fostering a healthy and supportive office culture.
- Social health. The health of interactions and social relationships in one’s community, typified by a sense of social cohesion and a concern for the well-being of others.
These pillars are interconnected; an impact to one can have significant effects across other pillars and to one’s mental and emotional health. That’s why it’s imperative to seek out an employer that takes a holistic approach to the collective human well-being of its workforce.
How employers can support holistic wellness at work
Mental health is not an extra or a perk, and mental health awareness isn’t some new corporate fad; if anything, it’ll only become more essential to what people look for and expect from an employer. In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 81% of respondents said they intend to look for workplaces that support mental health in the future.
So what can companies do to support the holistic well-being of employees and attract top talent? And what should job seekers look for in a potential employer?
Here are four common mental health practices proven to nurture a workforce’s collective well-being.
- Identifying and removing visible and invisible barriers while creating access. Employers can support mental health initiatives by fostering an open environment where people feel empowered to seek guidance and support. By removing barriers to mental health, creating access to resources and promoting inclusive well-being at work, businesses can help reduce stigma and cultivate psychological safety for every individual.
- Prioritizing mental health education and resources. Businesses can support holistic well-being by educating, raising awareness and promoting their mental health resources. These can include:
- a robust employee assistance program (or EAP)
- reduced costs for services
- incorporating well-being into corporate training
- equipping leaders to actively support and prioritize their own mental health and that of those they lead.
- Embodying their core values. When a business puts its values into practice, it’s easier to hire and keep employees who find meaning in their jobs and are engaged at work. Potential hires want insight into the values and culture of an employer to determine if a place is a good fit for them before they say “yes” to a job.
- Putting people first. To truly support holistic well-being, employers should commit to creating a positive and supportive work environment that focuses on strengths and nurtures growth, collaboration and a sense of belonging for everyone. When employers demonstrate this people-first mindset, employees feel more empowered to bring the best, most authentic version of themselves to work.
By implementing these practices, employers can create a supportive and inclusive environment — and do their part to foster holistic well-being at work.
Holistic well-being at Paycom
At Paycom, we constantly strive to support the well-being of our people. That’s why we offer targeted practices and employee benefits — because mental and emotional health is essential to who we are as a company.
A few examples of our commitment to holistic well-being in the workplace include:
- a $0 copay for in-network therapy and counseling
- in-house well-being advisors
- soundproof privacy booths for personal virtual appointments
- on-site interfaith spaces
- weekly companywide guided meditation times
- employee resource groups
- financial well-being resources
- green spaces and on-site fitness facilities at our Oklahoma City and Grapevine, Texas, campuses.
Looking for a work environment that supports your mental health? Apply to Paycom today.
