Generally, empathetic workplaces have less stress, more trust, and greater employee engagement. However, this kind of culture is not built overnight. Leaders can lead by example by being vulnerable where they are comfortable and sharing what they do to take care of themselves.

Train supervisors on how best to support employees who are living with mental health challenges and how to actively listen and provide appropriate resources. Encourage employees to utilize available company and community resources whether it is professional support or self-help strategies.

You can also create an employee resource group (ERG) for mental health. The mental health ERG should provide a safe community for individuals to share their experiences and lend support to each other. 

Develop a communications strategy

Develop a communications plan to offer opportunities to educate employees through email, posters, well-being seminars, videos, and onsite presentations. Partner with internal marketing teams to craft supportive messaging to employees.

• Mental Health Communications Toolkit, Marsh McLennan Agency
• What will you design today?, Canva,  free communication creation tool

Establish a culture of caring

• ICU, American Psychiatric Association Foundation | Center for Workplace Mental Health
• StigmaFree Company, NAMI
• Creating a Culture of Support, Mental Health America
• Making Empathy Central to Your Company Culture, Harvard Business Review
• The Leader’s Guide to Corporate Culture, Harvard Business Review
• Working Well, Leading a Mentally Healthy Business, American Psychiatric Association Foundation | Center for Workplace Mental Health in collaboration with NAMI-NYC and NEBGH
• Consult your dedicated MMA team to review Vendor Innovation Council resources

Offer stress management and other mental well-being courses

• Consult your dedicated MMA team
• Mental Health Education, NAMI
• Mental Health America Webinars, Mental Health America

Establish mental health peer groups and employer resource groups 

• How to Create an ERG for Mental Health, Mind Share Partners
• The Case for Mental Health Employee Resource Groups, Mind Share Partners
• NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI

Resources to help your employees understand and practice empathy

• 5 Tips for Starting a Conversation About Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid
• Five Tips for Nonjudgmental Listening, Mental Health First Aid
• Starting the Conversation, Seize the Awkward
• Reach out and Seize the Awkward, Seize the Awkward
• Be There, Jack.org

The nonprofit Be There lists five Golden Rules to learn how to support someone with a mental health challenge:

1. Say what you see
2. Show you care
3. Hear them out
4. Know your role
5. Connect to help