The Intersection of Mental Health and Employee Advocacy

Why mental wellness is an imperative part of any employee advocacy program

In today’s contemporary corporate world, fostering a positive work culture is more than just a trendy buzzword. Caring for your worker’s well-being has evolved from something that used to fall by the wayside to a strategic imperative for organizations that want to thrive in an ever-competitive environment. Mental health support is vital for companies hoping to implement employee advocacy programs successfully. 

If you’ve recognized the value of your workforce and their unique capacity to drive success through an employee advocacy program, you have to ensure you’re taking care of them too. The first step to a great employee advocacy program entails empowering employees to act as ambassadors for their organizations. But they can’t promote the brand, culture, and values to their unique audiences if they’re not thriving! When you prioritize their well-being, you can enhance advocacy efforts. And it’s not just about business. Good mental health support fosters a healthier and happier workforce. That’s great for everyone involved.

Let's delve into why supporting workers' mental health is an indispensable component of a killer employee advocacy program and how to do it. 

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Be the best brand!

Potential talent, clients, prospects, and colleagues in other fields want to be aligned with brands and companies that project a positive message and are perceived as empathetic and genuine. It’s easy to make that happen when you care for your worker’s mental health. Openly acknowledging that mental health support is an essential value to your company and doing tangible things to follow through on that promise builds your company up as a great place to work—because it is! 

Being an outspoken mental health ally also gives employee advocates some precious content. They can discuss the perks of employment and grow the organization's glowing reputation when they point out how supportive of mental health their bosses are. A commitment to mental health resonates with your workers, enhances your image to stakeholders, and grows customer loyalty. 

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Enhance creativity and innovation

Employee advocacy programs rely on workers to authentically share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives. It also asks them to be creative in how they get their message across and to who it reaches. When mental health is nurtured, employee advocates are infinitely better equipped to come up with fresh ideas and contribute innovative solutions to advocacy efforts. 

Open communication, collaboration, and support for your employee advocates foster a welcoming environment where novel ideas flourish. Employee advocacy is all about finding new ways to discuss the perks and the ins and outs of one’s position. When employees know you advocate for them through mental health resources, they can better advocate for you. 

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Elevate employee engagement

Engaged employees are more likely to be enthusiastic advocates for their employees. When workers feel valued, respected, and supported, they are more willing to go above and beyond their roles to promote your organization's goals and values. 

When you invest in mental health, employees are more inclined to engage in advocacy programs. Heightened employee engagement translates into more positive posts about the organization. This also helps you diversify who your messages reach since happy employee advocates all have unique audiences. Positive statements are also more likely to be reshared by individuals outside the organization!

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How to do it

There are various ways to offer mental health support, which can all be adjusted to your particular needs. Here are just a few big things to consider as you bring mental health support to the forefront of your company’s values and policies.

1. Positive work culture: Empathy and open communication. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear or reprisal. 
2. Flexible work arrangements: The pandemic proved we can all run remotely. Allow for hybrid arrangements, compressed workweeks, and flexible hours to promote work-life balance and reduce stress.
3. Workload management: Don’t overburden even your most enthusiastic employee. Avoid excessive tasks and unrealistic deadlines to avoid burnout. Check in with your team to see if they need help or want something else to put on their plate!
4. Recognition: Appreciate your employees’ efforts either publicly or one-on-one. Support boosts morale and well-being.
5. Physical and mental health support programs: Provide resources for physical well-being like gym memberships and information on mental health resources or services. Connect employees in need with external support networks if needed!
6. Take time off: Work isn’t the end all be all of everyone’s existence. People need breaks, vacations, mental health days, and sick leave. Avoid overwork and encourage people to take time to rejuvenate and recharge while still staying productive. 

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Happy employees, happy employee advocates!

Healthy people make better employee advocates. So start acknowledging mental health, and you’ll see more posts, engagement, and interest in participating in your program. Ghostit can get you started on implementing an effective EA program. Get in touch with our team today!

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