Today’s work environment requires adapting to data doubling every two years, a workforce composed of multiple generations, and ever-changing economic, social, and political stressors. Organizations thriving in this new environment recognize the need for effective business strategies as well as an unprecedented focus on employee well-being.
Covid-19 spotlighted the critical need to focus on employee well-being and, while the pandemic receded, the importance of employee well-being has not. “New generations of employees require this of the organizations they work for, and research has shown this focus to be essential if organizations hope to attain maximum efficiency and effectiveness”, shares Jean Holthaus, Director of Employee Assistance Programs at Pine Rest. Prioritizing employee well-being leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and better retention rates – all of which ultimately benefit both employees and the organization.
Prioritizing well-being can’t be achieved without first understanding what it entails. A common error is to reduce well-being to physical health which is simply one small part of well-being.
Well-being includes not only employees’ physical health but also their emotional health, sense of purpose, safety, connection, work-life harmony, and opportunities for growth. Investing in well-being requires organizations to look holistically at what employees need to thrive in life.
Healthy wellbeing requires creating an organizational ecosystem that works for everyone and equips everyone with resources to support their holistic well-being. Leaders must be willing to ruthlessly promote a culture that showcases the values they find most significant. Key to this is fostering and maintaining effective, ongoing communication where everyone feels they are safe and is actively encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
So how does workplace security play a role in employee well-being? First, it fosters an environment where employees feel safe, respected, and valued. Investing in security measures and emergency preparedness training shows employees that you care about their well-being and safety. Jason Russell, President & Founder at Secure Environment Consultants (SEC) shares, “today’s security needs go beyond just monitoring cameras and securing physical spaces; it needs to include a comprehensive approach that includes safeguarding any type of threat- internal or external, fostering a culture of safety, and implementing protocols for emergency situations.” Effective workplace security involves training staff to identify and report potential threats, creating clear communication channels, and having systems in place to respond to various risks. It also includes psychological and emotional safety and promoting a respectful and inclusive environment to prevent workplace harassment and bullying.
Well-being programs have often been viewed as a nice extra, but research shows them to be a strategic imperative. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are widely utilized and allow organizations to provide a wealth of tools to support well-being. EAPs give employees and their families access to counseling, financial services, and legal assistance when they need it. EAPs also make good business sense as they offer employers a return of $3 to $10 for every $1 invested through reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and lower healthcare costs. [Workplace Outcome Suite© EAP Industry Global Report No. 6: Use and Effectiveness for Over 140,000 Counseling Cases from 2010 to 2022.]
Integrating workplace security with mental health resources is imperative but it can also present a few immediate challenges to consider:
- Balancing safety and privacy: employees may feel uncomfortable sharing personal struggles or seeking help for how they feel, especially if they fear it can impact their job.
- Identifying mental health issues can often be subtle or difficult to recognize, especially in the workplace or if employees do not feel comfortable sharing concerns from their personal life.
- The changes in work practices and policies necessary to improve wellbeing are often resisted by managers and employees.
- Cultivating a leadership team committed to prioritizing wellbeing can be difficult but is a critical element if the culture is to be conducive to supporting employee wellbeing.
- Pressure to focus on financial performance, market share, and other strategic goals which overshadow the importance of employee well-being.
While it may feel daunting to overcome these barriers, it is imperative to safeguard your employees and invest in their ongoing safety and well-being. A workplace violence incident may happen once in a million times but that one time can cause significant damage to your reputation and in the worst-case scenario, loss of life to your employees.
Here are (4) keys to begin integrating security into your existing mental health services and helping your employees feel safe:
Foster a culture of psychological safety.
For employees to feel safe reporting threats without fear or retaliation, you must cultivate an environment of trust, meaning there is a zero-tolerance policy that will protect the employee who reports the threat and reminds employees to speak up if they have concerns about security, harassment, or mental health without negative consequences.
Provide ongoing training for managers and employees.
Training is essential for breaking down barriers to mental health care. Managers should be trained to recognize early signs of mental health, and your behavioral threat assessment team should be trained to identify patterns of behavior that may indicate a potential threat. Training should be done on an annual basis.
Create clear policies.
Employees should be able to see what mental health resources are available and how to access them at all times. Furthermore, employees need to know what to do if they see a concern, how to report the concern, and how you respond accordingly.
Collaborate across departments.
HR, security, wellness, and facilities need to work together to foster this culture of well-being and safety. This may involve cross-departmental quarterly team meetings or training programs that complement and promote each other.
Incorporating both workplace security and mental health support into a cohesive strategy is not just a moral obligation; it’s a business imperative. A safe and supportive work environment leads to a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce. Employers who prioritize the well-being of their employees—physically and mentally—set themselves up for long-term success. By working together, security measures and mental health support can create a holistic approach that fosters employee well-being, drives performance, and cultivates a positive workplace culture for years to come.
