What are the most innovative ways companies are supporting employee mental health and wellness today? Here’s what thought leaders share.

Introduce Mandatory Wellness Hours

One of the most innovative steps I’ve taken to support employee mental health has been introducing mandatory “wellness hours,” where employees are encouraged to step away from work completely for at least one hour during the day. They can use this time however they want—whether it’s for exercise, meditation, or simply taking a walk. The goal is to disconnect from work and recharge. This approach stood out because it’s proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for stress to build up and lead to burnout, we’re integrating mental-health practices directly into the workday.

We’ve gathered feedback from our team, and 85% reported feeling less stressed and more focused after introducing these wellness hours. We also noticed a tangible improvement in productivity, with task-completion rates increasing by about 10% over the past six months. This has shown me that small, intentional breaks can make a big difference in both mental well-being and work output.

Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo

Provide Personal Growth Funds

At RecurPost, we introduced “Personal Growth Funds,” giving each employee a dedicated budget to invest in activities that support their mental well-being, whether it’s fitness, art, meditation, or personal retreats. This approach stood out because it allowed employees to take control of their mental health in ways that were meaningful to them, rather than following a generic wellness program.

Within three months, we saw a 30% increase in participation in wellness activities and a 15% boost in productivity. The initiative also reduced turnover by making employees feel genuinely supported, fostering a culture of openness and trust around mental health.

Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost

Implement Tree Time Outdoors

As the founder of an online resource for arborists and tree care, one of the most effective approaches I’ve taken to support employee mental health is implementing “Tree Time”—mandatory paid time for staff to spend outdoors connecting with nature. This initiative was inspired by research showing the positive impacts of nature exposure on stress reduction and overall well-being. We encourage employees to use this time for activities like hiking, gardening, or simply sitting under a tree to reflect. 

The results have been remarkable—we’ve seen a 30% decrease in reported stress levels and a 25% increase in job-satisfaction scores since implementing Tree Time six months ago. Additionally, productivity has improved, with project completion rates up 15%. This approach stands out because it aligns perfectly with our company’s mission while addressing a critical need for work-life balance and mental health support. By making nature connection a core part of our work culture, we’ve created a unique and effective way to promote employee wellness that resonates deeply with our team.

Ben McInerney, Founder, GoTreeQuotes

Introduce Flexible Work Schedules

One of the most effective approaches I have implemented to support employee mental health was introducing a flexible work schedule combined with mandatory mental-health days. It stood out because, rather than just offering a day off, we built a culture where employees were encouraged to disconnect, recharge, and prioritize mental wellness without guilt. This shifted the workplace dynamic significantly.

We measured success through a combination of employee satisfaction surveys and productivity metrics. Over a 12-month period, we saw an improvement in employee engagement scores and a reduction in absenteeism. Additionally, output per employee increased, showing that when employees are well-rested and mentally sharp, their performance naturally improves. It has been a game-changer in creating a more resilient and motivated workforce.

Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach

Launch a Wellness-Day Program

One innovative approach I implemented to support employee mental health and wellness was the introduction of a wellness-day program. This initiative allowed employees to take an additional paid day off each quarter specifically dedicated to mental health and self-care activities. 

The idea was to encourage staff members to step away from their regular work duties and focus on activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as spending time with family, engaging in hobbies, or even attending wellness workshops. This program stood out to me because it not only acknowledged the importance of mental health but also actively encouraged employees to prioritize it without the stigma often associated with taking time off for mental wellness.

The results of this program were incredibly positive. After implementing the wellness days, we conducted a survey to gauge employee satisfaction and overall mental health. The feedback revealed a 30% increase in employee morale and a significant reduction in reported stress levels. Additionally, we noticed a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in productivity during the weeks following wellness days. This data demonstrated that when employees are given the opportunity to recharge and focus on their mental well-being, they return to work more engaged and motivated.

Nagesh Chakka, Dentist, Positive Dental Health

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