Small business owners should prioritize the mental health of employees — it demonstrates their wellbeing beyond work matters.  Doing so can also help your business.

Creating an environment that advocates for a healthy work/life balance helps employees stay healthier and happier, and more productive.

Work and Mental Health

Whether you're a small business owner or an employee of one, work plays a significant role in your life.

On average, "employed adults" spend more than half of their waking lives working or engaging in work-related activities, says a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  That time spent, the tasks performed and the work environment all affect overall health, it adds. 

"Work affects both our physical and mental wellbeing — in good ways and bad," notes a post by the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General.

According to statistics cited by the Office of the Surgeon General,  76 percent of workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition, and 84 percent of respondents said their workplace conditions had contributed to at least one mental health challenge.

Employees Care about Wellbeing

Physical and mental health have become more of a priority for employees, particularly younger ones, and they want to work at a company that gets that.

U.S. employees told a Gallup poll in 2024 that life-work balance and personal wellbeing is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a job — the third year in a row it ranked on top, even over pay, according to the Gallup study, which surveyed more than 10,000 workers.

"Most employees no longer see work-life balance and wellbeing as perks — they expect them," Gallup says in a post about its latest findings.

Employee Wellbeing and Your Business

Research links employee wellbeing and health to productivity levels -- those who are in good physical, mental and emotional health are more likely to perform better than those who are not.

"The impact of wellbeing extends far beyond how people feel — it affects the number of sick days employees take, their job performance, burnout and likelihood of leaving your organization," reports the Gallup study.

Makes sense, says Rachel Barski, director of sales for employers at mental health resources provider Wysa, in a post by Employee Benefit News. 

"If an individual doesn't have their best self coming to work, it's going to affect every part of their work," she explains in the article by Deanna Cuadra.

"And the quicker we understand that everyone will go through something at some point, the quicker we understand how imperative mental health [support] needs to be."

How To Support Employee Wellbeing

There are several ways small business owners to support employee wellbeing, including a demonstrated commitment to a healthy work-life balance, and providing access to mental health benefits, and other resources and programs that promote healthy habits.

For example, enable open communications with your employees about mental health and willingness to offer flexibility.

"By not penalizing workers for this needed flexibility, leaders can alleviate anxiety or fears of missing work demands," advises a blog by a Boston-based platform for wellness content and services. "This helps workers have the time needed for rest to optimize their health, productivity, and creativity.

Don't forget, small business owners need to stay healthy too.  See these tips for managing a healthier work-life balance.