HERE’S TO A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER NEW YEAR
Keeping your staff motivated and happy not only aids staff retention, but increases workplace pride and productivity. Going into another busy year we look at how prioritising employee mental wellness is paramount in driving happier, healthier business in 2025.
In today's competitive business environment, companies are increasingly recognising the importance of employee wellbeing—not just as a moral or ethical obligation, but as a critical component of their overall business strategy. One of the most effective ways to support employee wellbeing is through wellness programs that prioritise mental health. HR executives and managers, in particular, play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and promoting these programs, as they directly impact employee productivity, engagement, retention, and organisational culture.
We have seen for almost two decades how bringing people together through drumming, benefits mental wellness.
The Link Between Mental Health and Business Performance
The relationship between mental health and business outcomes is clear and well-documented. A study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Mental health issues such as stress, burnout, and anxiety contribute to decreased concentration, decision-making ability, and overall work performance, all of which can have a direct impact on a company’s bottom line. Furthermore, untreated mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism and turnover, further driving up costs.
Conversely, businesses that prioritise mental health often experience higher levels of employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Employees who feel supported in terms of their mental wellbeing are more likely to be productive, engaged, and committed to their roles. According to a Gallup study, engaged employees are 21% more productive than their disengaged counterparts, and companies with high levels of engagement see 22% higher profitability.
The Rise of Wellness Programs
As awareness of mental health issues in the workplace grows, wellness programs have evolved from basic physical health initiatives (e.g., gym memberships or health screenings, ) to comprehensive support systems. These programs typically include a range of resources, from counseling services to stress management workshops, flexible working arrangements, but also wellbeing activities such as sports clubs and engaging activities such as drumming have a huge impact on workplace satisfaction.
A prime example of a company prioritising mental health through its wellness program is Unilever , which has implemented several mental health initiatives, including an employee assistance program (EAP) offering free counseling services, mental health first aid training, and a range of flexible working policies. According to Unilever, these initiatives have contributed to a 10% increase in employee engagement and a 30% decrease in absenteeism.
Benefits of Employee Mental Health Programs
1. Improved Productivity and Performance
Investing in mental health is an investment in productivity. When employees feel mentally and emotionally supported, they are more likely to focus on their work and demonstrate higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills. A study conducted by Deloitte found that businesses that implemented mental health programs saw an average return of £5 for every £1 spent on mental health initiatives, primarily through improved employee productivity and reduced absenteeism.
2. Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Mental health issues are a leading cause of both absenteeism (employees not showing up to work) and presenteeism (employees coming to work but underperforming due to mental health struggles). The cost of presenteeism alone is estimated to be over $150 billion in the U.S. annually. Mental health programs that include proactive support and prevention, such as stress management training and mental health days, can help mitigate these issues, reducing overall healthcare costs and boosting employee performance.
3. Enhanced Employee Retention
The cost of employee turnover is high, both in terms of direct expenses (recruitment, training) and indirect costs (disruption to team dynamics, loss of institutional knowledge). Companies that prioritise mental health through wellness programs are likely to see increased employee loyalty. A study by Mind Share Partners found that 87% of employees who had access to mental health support felt more loyal to their employer. This is particularly important as talent retention becomes an increasing challenge in competitive industries.
4. Stronger Company Culture
A workplace that actively supports mental health fosters a culture of trust, inclusivity, and transparency. This, in turn, can lead to better collaboration, a more positive work environment, and a reduction in workplace stigma surrounding mental health issues. When mental health is openly discussed, employees are more likely to seek help when they need it, preventing issues from escalating into more severe problems.
5. Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Employers have a legal obligation to protect the mental health of their employees. In many countries, labor laws require employers to provide a safe working environment, which includes mental health protection. By proactively addressing mental health concerns, businesses reduce the risk of legal claims related to workplace stress, harassment, or neglect. In addition, creating a mentally healthy workplace is aligned with ethical business practices, showing that the organisation genuinely values the wellbeing of its employees.
Best Practices for Implementing a Successful Mental Health Wellness Program
For HR executives and managers, the key to a successful mental health wellness program lies in careful planning and execution. Below are some best practices to help ensure that the program achieves its goals:
Tailor the Program to Employee Needs
Different employees have different needs and preferences when it comes to mental health support. It’s important to survey employees and understand their unique challenges, whether that’s dealing with stress, anxiety, work-life balance, or burnout. Tailoring the program ensures that it is effective and well-received.
Provide Access to Professional Support
Offer a range of professional mental health services, such as access to licensed, therapists, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Ensure that these services are confidential and easily accessible.
Create a Stigma-Free Environment
Encourage an open and supportive culture around mental health. Training managers to recognise signs of mental health struggles and providing them with tools to support employees in a non-judgmental way can significantly reduce stigma and make employees feel more comfortable accessing help.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Flexible working hours, remote working options, and sufficient time off can be powerful tools for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Encourage employees to take regular breaks and use their vacation days to recharge.
Measure Impact and Make Adjustments
Like any business initiative, it’s crucial to measure the success of your wellness program and adjust it based on employee feedback and outcomes. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might include employee engagement scores, absenteeism rates, and employee satisfaction surveys.
Conclusion
Incorporating mental health support into your company's wellness program is not just a compassionate choice—it’s a strategic business decision. HR executives and managers who champion employee wellbeing through comprehensive mental health initiatives help to drive higher productivity, reduce absenteeism and turnover, foster a supportive work culture, and ensure compliance with legal obligations. In doing so, they contribute to long-term business success and the creation of a workplace where employees can thrive both mentally and professionally.
As the evidence increasingly supports, prioritising employee mental health is not just a trend—it’s a business imperative.
If you are working on your wellness programmes for this year and want to develop fun, meaningful and proven activities to support a more positive workplace environment, reach out and see how our drumming for wellness programme can be integrated.
drummers@drummingteambuilding.co.uk +44 (0)203 808 5177