How employers can take action on employee mental health

Published by HealthFitness on June 1st, 2025

Mental health in the workplace is no longer a "nice-to-have" benefit—it's a business imperative. In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, employees are navigating a complex blend of personal stressors, professional pressure, and the lingering aftershocks of a global pandemic. For HR and benefits leaders, the conversation has shifted from awareness to action. So how can organizations move from intention to impact?

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Tanja Madsen, Senior Director of Product Management at HealthFitness, recently joined The HealthFitness Podcast to explore this topic in depth. Drawing from years of experience in health education and product development, she shared both insight and urgency around mental wellbeing at work. Here are the key takeaways for benefits professionals ready to evolve their mental health strategy.

Mental Health Isn’t Isolated — It’s Everywhere

The statistics speak for themselves: nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But those numbers only scratch the surface of the day-to-day reality for employees. Whether it’s burnout, anxiety, or the stress of caregiving, mental health is showing up across organizations in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and disengagement.

What’s important to remember is that the workplace reflects society. If people are struggling at home — with parenting challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or managing their children’s mental health—it will inevitably impact their performance and presence at work.

What Proactive Mental Health Support Really Looks Like

Employers have made commendable strides in mental health over the past few years, but the most effective organizations are taking a layered, preventative approach.
  • Fitness and movement: Exercise is not only a powerful tool for physical health, but it’s also proven to improve mood and even alleviate mild to moderate depression.
  • Skill-building and lifestyle coaching: Programs that teach stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation are essential. Group offerings can be valuable, but one-on-one coaching is where deep, personal change often occurs.
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): At HealthFitness, staff and coaches are trained in MHFA — an internationally recognized certification that empowers individuals to recognize the signs of mental distress and respond appropriately. For organizations, offering this training can create a safer, more responsive workplace.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid: With so many employees juggling parenting responsibilities, the youth version of MHFA has become an increasingly relevant resource — helping parents understand the unique mental health challenges their children may face.

Building a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Beyond programs, the real foundation of mental health at work is culture. A psychologically safe environment — where employees feel supported, not judged — is essential. And so is connection.

To help connect employees, companies are getting creative: hosting recreational activities, organizing group hikes, and even offering art classes that allow employees to connect outside the traditional work context. Some organizations have even implemented reset rooms — quiet, tech-free spaces with calming features like soft lighting, music, and mindfulness tools.

And yes, at one site, employees can bring their dogs to work — because what’s more soothing than a four-legged friend by your side?

The Future of Mental Health Support

Looking ahead, innovative solutions are already emerging. AI-powered mental health companions are being used to enhance therapy between sessions, helping individuals manage their emotions and track progress. These tools don’t replace human therapists but rather extend the reach of care and improve outcomes.

There are even youth-oriented AI companions gaining traction, offering children a safe space to express themselves when they might not feel ready to talk to a parent.

What HR Leaders Can Do Today

For HR and benefits professionals, supporting employee mental health doesn’t have to mean launching a massive new program overnight. Start with these questions:
  • Is your workplace culture psychologically safe?
  • Do your wellness offerings include emotional health, not just physical fitness?
  • Are your managers trained to recognize and respond to mental health challenges?
  • Have you created opportunities for employees to build meaningful connections?
Mental health is complex but supporting it doesn’t have to be complicated. With empathy, consistency, and the right tools, organizations can create a culture where employees feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive — on and off the clock.

Learn more

 
Contact us for a no-obligation meeting and to learn how we can help you get your employees moving and support their mental health and wellness.