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INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH, HELP YOUR BUSINESS

More than a benefit, a robust commitment to your employees' mental health has emerged as a defining characteristic of successful modern corporations, directly impacting productivity, engagement and the overall vitality of the organization. We now know that mental and physical health are inextricably linked. Modern companies are starting to recognize the critical link between mental health and productivity, engagement and overall success of the business. By using community resources, businesses can implement meaningful strategies to support their employees' psychological well-being, fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce.

BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE CULTURE

One of the most impactful steps you can take is to cultivate a workplace culture that destigmatizes mental health issues. This involves open communication from leadership, promoting empathy and ensuring employees feel safe seeking support without fear of reprisal. Public resources often offer valuable frameworks and best practices for creating inclusive and supportive environments.  

IMPLEMENTING ACCESIBLE SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND EDUCATION

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many states offer or partner with EAP providers that offer confidential counseling, resources and referrals for employees facing personal or work-related challenges. 
  • Mental Health Training for Managers: Equipping managers with the skills to recognize signs of mental distress and engage in supportive conversations is crucial. Public health departments often provide or recommend training programs. 
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering options like telecommuting, flexible hours or compressed workweeks can help employees better manage work-life balance and reduce stress. Recent research is starting to showcase the benefits of this type of flexible scheduling for employee and employer alike. 
  • Mental Health Resource Guide: Providing a resource guide accessible at any time gives your leaders and employees support information at their fingertips in times of crisis. 

BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

UNDERSTANDING THE BODY-MIND CONNECTION

While supporting employees through direct mental health services is crucial, forward-thinking corporations are also starting to acknowledge the deeper physiological connections that influence mental well-being. Did you know the gut and brain communicate through a complex system known as the gut-brain axis? This intricate communication pathway involves the vagus nerve, hormones and various neurotransmitters.  
 
Research has shown that gut microbiomes can profoundly influence mood, behavior and cognitive functions. An imbalance in gut bacteria, for example, may contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress. An unhealthy gut can also lead to increased inflammation in the body, which is strongly linked to mental health disorders. Chronic inflammation in the gut can trigger an inflammatory response in the brain, potentially leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety and even cognitive decline. Understanding this profound connection can inform more holistic well-being initiatives. 

Ascentek takes the time to educate our teammates on this connection through several ways: 

  • Hosting community events like health fairs. 
  • Bringing nutritionists and doctors on-site for seminars. 
  • Informational newsletters. 
  • Periodic emails and texts with tips and tricks.

By leveraging simple, yet impactful resources you already have, your corporation can also impact the health of your employees in a positive way.  

By proactively investing in their employees’ mental health through these publicly available resources and strategies, modern corporations can cultivate a thriving workforce, reduce absenteeism and burnout, and ultimately contribute to a more productive and positive organizational environment.

As part of being a leader in oil and industrial technology, Ascentek is dedicated to doing everything it can to keep our teammates of sound mind and body. It is crucial to our success.