How Can HR Professionals Help With Employee Mental Health?
Creating Supportive Workplaces
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| Dimensions of Employee Wellness |
HR Strategies and Practices
HRM plays a crucial role in the creation of workpalces that are inclusive and supporting for workers who are suffering from mental illness. Mental health problems are very common and can have an important impact on an each person's general attendance, well-being and productivity. Employees are able to manage difficult situations by handing sucessfully with the support of HR strategies such as modifications at work, training, flexible working hours, and compassionate leadership. In additon to reducing stigma, providing this necessary support increases engagement and let people to make full contributions towards the objectives of the company (Follmer & Jones, 2018). Recognizing and responding to the needs & wants of workers with mental health issues will have positive work cultures and increased commercial and human outcomes (World Health Organization, 2019).
Creating a Healthier Future Workplace
In conclusion HR has a crucial role in developing inclusive workplaces and supporting workers experiencing mental health problems. HR can reduce stigma and enhance well-being and productivity through tailored policies, accommodations, training, and compassionate leadership. Organizations can enable people and bring about a healthy, equitable, and productive workplace culture-one that benefits everyone, both individually and the organization as a whole-by recognizing individual talents and needs of each employee.
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| Mental Health at Work |
References
Hennekam, S., Follmer, K., & Beatty, J. (2021).
Exploring mental illness in the workplace:the role of HR professionals and
processes. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(15),
3135–3156.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2021.1960751
Follmer, K. B., & Jones, K. S. (2017). Stereotype
content and social distancing from employees with mental illness: The
moderating roles of gender and social dominance orientation. Journal of
Applied Social Psychology, 47(9), 492–504. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12455
World Health Organization (2019) Mental disorders. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
Peterson, D., Gordon, S., & Neale, J. (2017). It can work: Open employment for people with experience of mental illness. Work (Reading, Mass.), 56(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-172510


It seems good. Try to follow a proper structure such as an introduction and conclusion. If you can relate your discussion with Sri Lanka or your industry or your organization would be great
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your feedback, Sir. That’s a really good point, I’ll make sure to add a clearer introduction and conclusion structure next time. Relating it to Sri Lanka or the apparel industry, especially where mental health awareness is still growing, would definitely make the discussion more relevant and practical.
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ReplyDeleteA very timely and thoughtful post on employee mental health. I liked how you explained different dimensions of wellness and the role of HR in creating supportive workplaces. To make it stronger, you might consider citing specific research or frameworks that demonstrate the impact of mental health initiatives on performance.
Thank you so much, Hasala! I really appreciate your feedback. I actually included a few citations in the post to support the discussion, but I agree that adding more research or frameworks showing the impact on performance would make it even stronger. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for future writing.
DeleteI found this blog very helpful and easy to understand. It clearly explains how HR can support employees’ mental health through flexible work, training, and creating a positive work environment. I liked how it emphasized reducing stigma and making workplaces inclusive, showing that when employees feel supported, both they and the company benefit. It made me realize how important HR’s role is in looking after not just productivity, but also overall employee well-being.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gihani! I’m really glad you found it helpful and easy to follow. I completely agree when HR focuses on reducing stigma and building inclusive workplaces, it benefits both employees and the organization. Mental well-being truly supports overall performance and long-term retention
DeleteGreat post! Employee safety should always be a core part of HR strategy, not just a reaction to crises
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ishanka! I totally agree employee safety and well-being should always be part of HR’s core strategy rather than a reaction to issues. Proactive approaches help create trust and show employees that their mental health is genuinely valued.
DeleteThis is such an important topic! HR professionals play a crucial role in creating a supportive workplace culture where mental health is prioritized. From implementing wellness programs and providing access to resources, to training managers to recognize signs of stress and burnout, HR can really make a difference in helping employees feel valued and supported. More companies need to see mental health as a key part of their overall strategy.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Dilmini! You’ve summarized it perfectly HR’s role in implementing wellness programs, providing resources, and training leaders is essential. It’s great to see more organizations recognizing mental health as part of their overall business strategy, not just an HR initiative.
DeleteThis post shows how HR professionals play a key role in supporting digital change by training staff and aligning technology with people strategy, which can also relate to my workplace in a state-owned bank where digital transformation is now a key focus.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kalani! That’s an interesting connection. Digital transformation definitely brings its own set of stressors, and HR plays a big role in helping employees adapt through training and support. It’s all about balancing technology and people to maintain well-being during change.
DeleteThis is a very meaningful blog that clearly explains how HR can support employees’ mental health. It highlights the importance of empathy, flexibility, and inclusive policies to create a healthy and positive workplace for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Niroshani! I really appreciate your kind words. Empathy and flexibility are at the heart of supportive HR practices when employees feel understood and included, it truly creates a healthier and more positive workplace for everyone.
DeleteThis article provides a concise and useful summary of key regulations and caring leadership techniques, as well as an effective explanation of the strategic role that HRM plays in creating inclusive and mentally supportive work environments.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Kanishka! I’m glad you found the post useful. Yes, HR’s strategic involvement in building inclusive and mentally healthy work environments is key. It’s not just about policies but about shaping a caring culture where every employee feels supported.
DeleteThis is such an important topic. HR professionals play a huge role in supporting employee mental health. Creating a culture of openness, offering mental health resources, and ensuring employees know where to turn for help are key.
ReplyDeleteThis is a timely and meaningful topic. HR professionals play a vital role in creating a supportive workplace where mental health is openly discussed and properly addressed. By promoting awareness, offering accessible resources, and building a culture of empathy, HR can significantly improve employee wellbeing and overall organizational performance
ReplyDeleteAs someone working in hotels, I see every day how closely staff wellbeing connects to guest satisfaction. This article is a timely reminder that HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. In hospitality, where emotional labor and long hours are common, creating supportive cultures and flexible practices can make the difference between burnout and brilliance. When HR champions mental health, we don’t just protect our teams—we elevate the guest experience and strengthen the heart of our business. A healthier workplace truly means a healthier hospitality industry.
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