It may cross the minds of readers and followers of Raza Properties “Why as entrepreneurs and developers do they care about mental health?”

Other than the fact that Raza Properties is a team of people who value well-being and quality of life in general–the fact is, that mental health has a significant impact on the economy, on business productivity, and on meeting potential (personal, professional, local, and global).  These are three aspects of life that are important to Raza Properties.  

So today we focus on the direct impact of mental health on business.  The goal is also to help employers and business leaders understand how they can better support their employees in this area.  Supporting your employees means supporting the company’s best interest and bottom line.  

Forbes contributor and Mental Strength Trainer, Amy Morin, cites in a recent article that as many as 1 in 5 employees struggle with Mental Health.  That number alone helps identify why we (and you) should care.  

How specifically does this effect business?  “The Center for Prevention and Health estimates that mental illness and substance abuse issues cost employers between $79 and $105 billion each year. Reduced productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs are just a few of the ways mental illness cost employers money.”

That’s a large loss and, one that presumably would be of significant interest to employers if it were something else more tangible.  However, mental health is often seen as an unmentionable. 

Here are some simple strategies Morin offers in her article for employers to be more supportive when it comes to mental health: 

1. Promote A Work/Life Balance (See prior blog on the importance of vacation time)
2. Educate Employees About Mental Health
3. Talk About EAP Benefits Often
4. Make Wellness A Priority
5. Provide In-Service Trainings
6. Support Employees’ Efforts To Get Help
7. Reduce The Stigma

The common thread between all 7 of these strategies, as well as other related best-practices, is open communication in a non-judgmental manner that allows employees to feel safe and supported when it comes to their mental health.  

The more we talk candidly about mental health and offer proactive and preventative solutions the less resources will be wasted and thus the more creativity, productivity, focus, and happiness your company will experience.