Five Tips to Raise Mental Health Awareness in Retail
Retail can be a demanding environment for owners and employees alike, and those demands can take a serious toll on mental health and wellbeing. It’s no surprise that when your employees feel good, they perform better. Prioritizing mental health in the workplace can create lasting, positive changes across your business including better customer service, higher retention rates, and improved employee attendance.
According to the American Psychological Association, only 12% of employees reported that their employer has people on-site who have received mental health training. Meanwhile, 92% of employees, an overwhelming majority, believe it’s important to work for an organization that provides support for employee mental health. So how do retailers provide that support?
Provide Education and Training
Offer educational materials or training for your team on how to recognize the signs of mental health struggles in themselves and in others. Learning basic information about common mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, stress management, and self-care provides helpful knowledge for your team both in and out of the workplace.
Offer Resources and Support
Does your business offer access to mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, or online mental health platforms? Make sure your employees are aware of what resources are available to them, how to access those resources, and that they feel comfortable doing so.
➡️ Take Action: Add clear signage to your break room with information outlining the mental health resources available to your employees, and include other helpful mental health information relevant to your area or industry like contact information to local Community Mental Health offices and crisis hotlines.
Encourage Open Communication
Create an environment where your employees feel comfortable discussing their stresses and concerns with their manager without fear of judgment or retaliation. Train your managers to be empathetic, approachable, and mindful in their communication practices, especially regarding mental health discussions. Active listening is an important skill in helping employees feel understood and heard. Normalizing conversations about mental health can help foster a more inclusive company culture as a whole.
Take Breaks Throughout the Day
A few minutes away from your workspace and responsibilities can help you reset and gain clarity, especially after stressful situations or long periods of intense work. Make sure your employees are taking their lunch breaks and other scheduled breaks throughout the day.
➡️ Take Action: Make time and create a space where employees can decompress for a few minutes during their day to help prevent burnout.
Recognize and Reward Efforts
Acknowledging your employees’ hard work, contributions, and achievements can go a long way. Public praise, rewards, and other tokens of appreciation can boost your team’s morale and wellbeing. Use incentives to encourage teamwork and collaboration that support a more positive and connected working environment.
