In what has been one of the most active job markets in recent memory, candidates are on the move. For many, the pandemic has redefined how we think about work. The shift to remote offices has challenged us to make work-life balance a priority and not simply an afterthought. And it’s had a significant impact on our mental health.
If we’ve confirmed anything amid the pandemic, it’s that company culture matters, especially as it relates to our mental health. ForceBrands asked our LinkedIn users to weigh in and share their thoughts about their own mental health at work. What defines a healthy workplace? What role does transparency play? How important is work-life balance?
Here’s what you all had to say about the state of mental health in today’s workplace.
Transparency is sticky
Nearly one-third of employees said that their company isn’t at all transparent. And this is critical as it directly relates to employee retention and engagement. Employees who trust their employers are more likely to be engaged and loyal. Nothing signals mutual respect and trust more than transparency. Companies looking to hold on to their top talent should strive to keep the lines of communication open among team members.
Employers with proven transparent cultures that reward employee loyalty with proportionate compensation, and create opportunities for meaningful work in an environment that encourages self-care and balance will ultimately have the edge in an increasingly competitive hiring market.
Money isn’t everything
Historically speaking, money matters when it comes to talent acquisition and retention. Salaries and bonuses go a long way in keeping employees happy and engaged. We were surprised then to find that just half of the employees we surveyed said the reason they stay in their role is compensation and benefits. What else matters? Nearly one-third said meaningful work is what keeps them in their job.
Pandemic fatigue is real and work-life balance matters
The pandemic has forced many to transition their work from the office to remote workplaces. This disruption has challenged both employers and employees to set boundaries when it comes to defining professional and personal time. Results from our poll found that just 27 percent of employers are useful when it comes to helping employees balance work, burnout, and pandemic fatigue. Half of the employees said that their companies offered zero (yes, zero!) support at a time when work-life balance has never been more important. Numerous studies show employees are working longer hours and are struggling to keep up with work priorities in this changing climate. To keep top talent from walking out the door, companies must do better.
Restoring balance and inspiration
We wanted to know how companies were assisting their employees with work-life balance. We found that just one-third of employers offer mental health support for their employees. Still, nearly 60 percent of employers are offering more flexible work schedules, whether that’s more PTO or mandatory time off. That’s a start. This question about how companies were addressing personal and professional balance was controversial to say the least. Some respondents took to the comments section on LinkedIn to air their grievances about lacking support services, policies, or actions. Pro tip for employers: if you’re looking to retain or hire the best talent out there, be prepared to show proof of how your company rewards hard work and commitment with meaningful employee mental health and work-life balance benefits.
