Case Study

Mental health is a critical issue in the workplace. A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that one in five American adults suffer from a mental illness. This means that approximately 20% of the workforce is dealing with a mental health issue at any given time. Mental health wellness strategies in the workplace have become a hot topic in recent years as the prevalence of mental health issues has come to light. A variety of companies have implemented programs to address mental health in the workplace, but there is still much room for improvement. Mental health issues can have a significant impact on workplace productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity (World Health Organization, 2013). In the United States, mental health issues cost businesses an estimated $193 billion each year in lost productivity. The purpose of this research paper is to explore mental health wellness strategies in the workplace. In particular, this paper will focus on the company Google and its mental health wellness initiatives. Google has been a pioneer in the area of workplace mental health, and as such, provides an interesting case study for this research.

Reason for doing the project

The workplace is one environment where mental health issues can have a significant impact and this is one of the reasons that inspired me to tackle this paper. Employees who are struggling with mental health issues may have difficulty performing their job duties, and may also be more likely to experience absenteeism or presenteeism (Jansson & Gunnarsson 2018). Additionally, mental health issues can lead to conflict with co-workers, and can create a negative work environment. Providing employees with access to mental health resources is a key mental health wellness strategy. Employees should have access to mental health resources such as counseling, support groups, and employee assistance programs. Google's mental health wellness strategies in the workplace include:

1) Employee Assistance Program: Google provides an employee assistance program (EAP) to help employees deal with personal and work-related problems. The EAP provides confidential counseling, referrals, and resources to help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Stress management programs are designed to help employees identify and manage sources of stress in their lives. These programs can include stress reduction techniques such as relaxation and meditation, education on the effects of stress, and time management training.

2) Mental Health Awareness Training: Google offers training to help employees identify and support colleagues who may be struggling with mental health issues. The training covers topics such as how to have a conversation with someone who is struggling, how to provide support, and how to find resources. Training on how to identify and address mental health issues can help employees learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and how to seek help. This type of training can be provided through online courses, in-person workshops, or in employee handbooks.

3) Mental Health Leave: Google offers employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year to deal with mental health issues. This leave can be used for therapy, doctor's appointments, and other activities related to mental health.

4) Flexible Work Arrangements: Google offers flexible work arrangements to help employees balance work and personal commitments. Employees can request flexible hours, telecommuting, and other accommodations that can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

5) Wellness Benefits: Google offers a variety of wellness benefits to help employees stay healthy and reduce stress. These benefits include onsite fitness facilities, free health screenings, and wellness programs.

6) Mental Health First Aid: Google offers Mental Health First Aid training to help employees identify and support colleagues who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The training covers topics such as how to identify signs of a mental health crisis, how to provide support, and how to find resources.

7) Google Talk: Google Talk is a confidential counseling service that is available to all employees. Google Talk counselors are available to talk 24/7, and they can provide support and resources for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

8) Mental Health Resources: Google provides a variety of mental health resources on its website, including articles, tips, and advice from mental health experts. These resources can help employees learn more about mental health, find support, and reduce stress.

Objectives of the project

There is a growing body of evidence indicating that workplace mental health interventions can lead to improvements in employee mental health and well-being, as well as reductions in absenteeism, presenteeism, and productivity loss. Despite this, many workplaces do not have formal mental health programs in place. Mental health interventions are treatments or services that aim to improve mental health and wellbeing. These interventions can be delivered in a variety of settings, including workplaces, schools, and communities. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that workplace mental health interventions can lead to improvements in employee mental health and well-being, as well as reductions in absenteeism, presenteeism, and productivity loss. Despite this, many workplaces do not have formal mental health programs in place.

According to Levecque et al., (2017) There are a number of challenges that employees face in accessing mental health services in the workplace. First, there is a general stigma surrounding mental health, which can make it difficult for employees to feel comfortable seeking help. Additionally, many employers do not offer mental health services or do not provide adequate coverage for them. This can make it difficult for employees to get the help they need. Finally, employees may not have the time or resources to access mental health services on their own. This can make it difficult for them to get the support they need to manage their mental health. There are a number of things that can be done to improve mental health wellness in the workplace. First, employers can provide mental health services and make them easily accessible to employees. Additionally, employers can provide training on how to manage stress and promote healthy coping mechanisms. Finally, employers can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of their mental health status.

The benefits of implementing mental health wellness strategies in the workplace are numerous. These programs can help to reduce the number of absenteeism, presenteeism, and workplace accidents. They can also help to improve employee morale, job satisfaction, and retention rates. In addition, these programs can help to reduce healthcare costs, disability claims, and workers' compensation costs.

Question

1. A full relative literature of this study and adequate resources backing the answer