Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in the workplace, and for a good reason.
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. In 2025, workplaces are increasingly focused on creating a positive culture that supports employees’ mental well-being by providing mental health benefits. This includes things like work-life balance initiatives, resource groups for support and education, mental health days off from work, and comprehensive healthcare coverage that includes mental health care.
As mental health becomes an issue talked about more often, it has become clear that the American workplace should take it seriously. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 92% of 2,515 respondents considered it either very or somewhat important for the company they chose to work for to value their emotional and psychological well-being. Companies that prioritize their employees’ mental health are setting themselves up to be leaders in this new era of workplace culture.
SHRM offers an article that explores the 7 Things to Know About the State of Workplace Mental Health.
Why Mental Health Support Is Important in the Workplace
Mental health issues can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job. It can also lead to higher absenteeism and staff turnover, increased accidents and errors, lower morale, and impaired relationships with colleagues.
Work can also be a protective factor for mental health issues. A safe and supportive workplace can be a great source of strength while also providing an important social outlet. That’s why it is so important to create workplaces that are conducive to good mental and physical health. When happier and healthier staff feel supported by their employer, they are more likely to stay longer in the position, helping the company reduce costs associated with recruitment and turnover.
Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
One of the most important things employers can do to support their employees’ mental health is to create a culture of respect and care. The benefits of building workplaces that foster positive mental health include:
Work-Life Balance Initiatives
Companies should consider offering flexible work hours, telecommuting options, and unlimited sick days. This can help reduce stress and help employees better manage their time.
Resource Groups
Establishing mental health resource groups can provide a space for employees to come together, share experiences, and find support.
Health Days Off
Providing employees with a certain number of mental health days at work can help employees manage stress levels and reduce burnout. This also ensures that employees feel safe and supported enough to reach out for help when they need it. Consider also giving World Mental Health Day off work each year.
Healthcare That Covers Mental Health Services
Employers need to provide comprehensive healthcare plans that include coverage for mental health services. This can help employees access the resources they need to stay healthy and visit mental health professionals.
Positive Workplace Culture Initiatives
Companies should consider implementing initiatives that focus on building a positive workplace culture, such as wellness activities, goal-setting programs, and recognition programs. Workplace culture supports mental health more than many employers realize.
Traits of Companies That Support Mental Health
Creating an atmosphere that values mental health can have a lasting positive impact on employees. Here are some of the key traits of a workplace that emphasizes good mental health:
- Open and honest communication
- Respect for individual boundaries
- Acceptance and appreciation of diversity
- Recognition of individual contribution
- Supportive relationships
- Commitment to safety and security
- Activities that promote positive mental health
- Positive reinforcement of good work habits
These will have a long-term benefit on employees’ well-being and help create a more productive workplace overall.
Best Workplaces for Mental Health
These companies that support mental health awareness are the ones to emulate:
Axon
Axon, the leader in global public safety solutions, offers generous personal time off policies and a wide variety of employee resources, including access to Modern Health, a mental wellness platform. Employees are encouraged to prioritize their emotional, professional, social, physical, and financial well-being by utilizing private sessions with licensed professionals, group support sessions, and a variety of self-serve resources.
Interested in a career at Axon? Check out their job postings.
Desert Financial Credit Union
Desert Financial Credit Union (DFCU), Arizona’s largest locally-based credit union, is committed to supporting the well-being and mental health of its employees. With an employee resource group (ERG) for Mental Health Advocates, the company fulfills employee-driven initiatives to promote a healthy workplace culture. Employees at DFCU appreciate the effort put in by the company to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment for all.
Interested in joining the team? Review job openings now.
KUBRA
KUBRA is an industry-leading provider of customer experience management solutions to some of the largest utility, government, and insurance entities in North America. This technology company prides itself on providing a plethora of benefits and support for its employees. Their programs support employees by offering plenty of time off, including paid mental health days, free Headspace subscriptions and gym memberships, meaningful work, flexible work schedules, and free resources for mental health education and awareness.
Interested in working for a top company that makes positive mental health a priority? See KUBRA’s open positions and apply today.
Northern Trust
Northern Trust has also been lauded for its workplace culture, which focuses on mental health. They provide employees with flexible work arrangements, paid time off for family leave, and several days of paid volunteer work each year. Northern Trust’s goal is to help team members balance their careers with their personal lives. The company also offers continuous learning opportunities and a mentorship program to support employees in pursuing their career aspirations.
Ready to explore a healthy work-life balance at Northern Trust? See job openings.
WillScot
Caring for the emotional well-being of employees means offering programs that meet a diverse range of work-life needs. Willscot’s Employee Assistance Program provides mental health access and practical support for personal needs. Taking time off is also a critical component to rest and rejuvenate to help keep you physically and emotionally well.
Recognition is part of their values-based culture, providing a platform for peer-to-peer recognition for living Willscot’s core values. One of those values is community focus. Not only do they allow employees to give their time to a cause of their choice, but also to donate money to one of those causes or to direct it to the Minions of Kindness Fund, which supports employees in times of distress.
Check out job opportunities at WillScot.
The Bottom Line
Companies like Axon, DFCU, KUBRA, Northern Trust, and WillScot are leading the way in establishing policies that support the well-being of their employees, but the list does not stop there. As more employers recognize the impact of work-life balance and mental health on their teams, we can expect other companies to follow suit.
If you’re looking for a workplace culture where your mental health is supported, check out these positions at some of the best employers partnered with BestCompaniesAZ.
