What’s one thing your company does to promote employee well-being and mental health? How has this impacted the overall culture? We asked people leaders for their insights, and here are 17 actionable strategies that can make a difference.
- Provide Mental Health Resources and Encourage PTO
- Prioritize Well-Being with Results-Oriented Environment
- Host Healthy Holiday Recipe Demonstrations
- Organize Weekly Team Events and Goals
- Offer Flexible Working Hours
- Implement On-Site Wellness Programs
- Introduce Mission Connection Days
- Focus on Professional Development and Appreciation
- Implement No Meetings on Fridays
- Provide Access to Therapy Sessions
- Allow Employees to Set Their Own Goals
- Offer Monthly Wellness Benefits
- Maintain an Open-Door Policy
- Offer Mental Health Days
- Develop Peer-Led Support Circles
- Provide Confidential Counseling Services
- Empower Therapists to Build Their Practice
How Companies Promote Employee Well-Being and Mental Health
Provide Mental Health Resources and Encourage PTO
We take Mental Health + Well-Being seriously, and to help our employees and interns we provide resources and encourage PTO and self-care activities. During orientation we teach several guided meditations and encourage our employees and interns to continue the practice. We share self-care resources on healthy movement at the office, how to save money and time at the grocery store, ways to practice mindfulness, and much more. We have a “bring your pet to work” office policy and encourage time in nature with our walking meetings. And when work becomes extra stressful we celebrate progress with recognition and bonuses. This has really shaped our culture into one that is praised by our employees and interns, and we have heard that other companies look to us for advice.
Beryl Krinsky
Founder & CEO, B.Komplete
Prioritize Well-Being with Results-Oriented Environment
We practice what we preach by prioritizing employee well-being through a results-oriented work environment that values autonomy and respects an entrepreneurial spirit. We also integrate active breaks, programs, and retreats into our team’s routine, just as we do for our clients. These practices have fostered a culture of trust, flexibility, and mutual support, allowing our team to thrive personally and professionally while staying aligned with our mission of promoting wellness in the workplace.
Tarin Calmeyer
Founder & Wellness Event Producer, Remote Team Wellness
Host Healthy Holiday Recipe Demonstrations
One of the more popular wellness activities that we have done in both November and December is to bring in a Registered Dietitian to do a healthy holiday recipe demonstration. Employees are always looking for new entrees or side dishes to take to family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and/or New Year’s. Not only does the presenter talk about ingredients that are healthier alternatives, but she gives little nutrition tidbits along the way too.
The best part of the seminar is to taste the food. We usually staff with 3 helpers if the group is large so we can get the food out to the audience quickly. The grand finale is to raffle off a 1-hour private consultation with the nutritionist and a $50 gift card to the “healthy” grocery store too. We can do this presentation in 30 minutes to keep the interest level high as we move quickly with the information and food preparation. After the fact, we email the recipe to all of the participants and ask them to give us feedback on their own attempts to duplicate the new recipe. So engaging and FUN!
Tina Severance-Fonte
Wellness Coordinator, Broward Schools & Private Consulting
Organize Weekly Team Events and Goals
A large portion of our business consists of insurance sales agents. Anyone who has been in sales knows how mentally and motivationally draining the industry can be. In order to foster a positive work environment, we have started weekly events or goals that agents can participate in. These events range from things like pie bake-offs, nacho catering, holiday parties, and more.
There are several ways we have found that these events have improved employee well-being. First, it creates a sense of unity. It gets people away from the phones and screens, talking and interacting with each other instead. They feel more like co-workers and team members than a cog in a machine. Next, it gives them something to look forward to and work towards. Not everyone likes to bake a pie, but those who do want to win the prizes. And everyone enjoys getting to eat the pies. Third, morale goes up exponentially. Events help employees feel appreciated, and cultivate trust. Lastly, a small break for fun inspires collaboration, productivity, and employee retention.
The difference in the culture in the workplace has turned almost completely. There is more friendliness between co-workers, and agents feel more like they belong. Many of our agents have verbally expressed having positive experiences within our company. Despite being a small part of the week, these small events have made a large difference in our workplace.
Dan Hardle
Chief Executive Officer, Agent Boost Marketing
Offer Flexible Working Hours
We know that happy employees are the backbone of any successful business. For us, this means focusing on their well-being, especially when it comes to mental health. One of the ways we make this a priority is by offering flexible working hours. Life is unpredictable, and our employees sometimes have to manage personal issues, from family obligations to mental health leave. Giving them the freedom to adjust their schedule has made a huge difference in how our team feels and works.
I’ve seen it firsthand: when our employees have the opportunity to balance their work and personal lives, they are not only less stressed, but also more productive and focused. It’s amazing how something as simple as giving them more control over their schedule can create a positive change in the office culture.
But it’s not just about giving them time; it’s also about fostering trust. We’ve created a space where it’s okay to talk openly about mental health and where employees feel supported if they need time to recharge. This kind of environment helps reduce burnout and boosts overall morale.
I’ve learned that small changes like these lead to big results. When people feel safe and respected, they perform better.
Mark Whitley
CEO, Whits Corporation
Implement On-Site Wellness Programs
On-site wellness programs like yoga and mindfulness classes are a big deal for us. They make a tangible difference in reducing stress and boosting morale. Employees often feel overwhelmed, and these sessions provide a structured way to pause and reset during the workday. It’s not just about stretching or deep breaths—it’s about fostering a culture that prioritizes health beyond deadlines and meetings. A less obvious benefit is the sense of community these activities build. Employees from different teams connect over shared experiences, breaking down silos and creating a support network within the company.
A practical technique we found effective is integrating a short mindfulness session into team meetings. It doesn’t have to be complicated—a simple breathing exercise or a brief moment of silence can set a positive tone. This method serves two purposes: it helps maintain mental clarity and encourages everyone to tune into the present moment, keeping distractions in check. These small habits collectively contribute to a more positive atmosphere, enhancing communication and collaboration across the board.
Andrew Franks
Co-Founder, Claimsline
Introduce Mission Connection Days
In the fast-paced world of digital recruitment, burnout is a real concern. We’ve implemented a unique approach to promote employee well-being that we call “Mission Connection Days.” It’s been a game-changer for our team culture.
What we’ve found is that employees are most energized when they feel directly connected to the impact of their work. Our Mission Connection Days allow team members to step away from their desks and engage directly with the public sector professionals we serve. This isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about rekindling the sense of purpose that drew them to our mission of transforming government recruitment in the first place.
Since implementing this practice, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in team morale and productivity. It’s contributed to our ability to maintain long-term client relationships, averaging 5-10 years, and has energized our content creation, resulting in over 1,300 articles from government thought leaders.
Find ways to regularly reconnect your team with your company’s core mission. It’s not just about time off—it’s about purposeful engagement that reminds everyone why their work matters. The impact on culture is profound.
Michael Hurwitz
President/Co-Founder, Careers in Government
Focus on Professional Development and Appreciation
We’ve developed a thoughtful approach to employee well-being that centers on professional development and genuine appreciation. Recognizing that every team member starts in an entry-level, part-time position, we’ve created intentional pathways for growth and meaningful engagement.
Our monthly recognition lunch has become a cornerstone of our company culture. We gather our top performers to celebrate their achievements, share experiences, and express sincere gratitude. This isn’t just a standard meeting—it’s an opportunity to build deeper connections and create a sense of community within our team. By bringing everyone together, we reinforce the value of each individual’s contributions.
Equally crucial is our commitment to hearing every employee’s voice. We’ve implemented a comprehensive project feedback form that staff complete after each event. This isn’t a perfunctory exercise, but a meaningful mechanism for team members to share insights, suggest improvements, and feel truly heard. From entry-level staff to top performers, everyone knows their perspective is valuable and can contribute to our collective improvement.
The impact has been remarkable. We’ve created more than just a workplace—we’ve built a supportive environment where employees feel genuinely invested in our shared success. Our approach demonstrates that professional growth isn’t about hierarchy, but about creating opportunities, recognizing effort, and maintaining open lines of communication. For other businesses looking to enhance employee well-being, the strategy is clear: listen actively, recognize consistently, and provide meaningful pathways for personal and professional development. It’s not about grand gestures, but about creating a culture of respect, opportunity, and genuine appreciation.
Grant Morningstar
CEO, Elevate Events
Implement No Meetings on Fridays
Every team leader should understand that the well-being of employees has the greatest impact on efficiency and initiative, and that your product depends on it. Six months ago, I made the decision to have “no meetings” on Fridays. I noticed that the team’s focus shifts at the end of the week because everyone has a weekend ahead of them. Meetings to plan or brainstorm were fruitless because people have less energy and creativity on Fridays than on Mondays. So we hold all important meetings and discussions at the beginning of the week. This simple step gives the team uninterrupted time to focus on deep work and to relax a bit by writing reports and summarizing work.
This small change has really reduced stress and increased productivity. According to a survey of my team, people have begun to feel more autonomous and in control of their own schedules. They don’t see Fridays as an extra day off, but simply leave less important or easier tasks for that day. It’s also encouraged more creative problem solving—when you’re not constantly jumping between meetings, you think more clearly. Small changes can lead to much better results, so we are applying this philosophy to other aspects of our business, building a sustainable and thriving culture through small actions.
Alexandr Sharilov
CEO, Coindataflow.com
Provide Access to Therapy Sessions
One initiative we’ve implemented is providing access to mental health resources, including offering therapy sessions for staff members at no cost. We encourage employees to schedule regular sessions with licensed therapists, either virtually or in person, to address their own mental health needs. We also host wellness workshops that focus on stress management, mindfulness, and emotional resilience.
These efforts have significantly enhanced our organizational culture. Employees feel valued and supported, which fosters a sense of trust and belonging. The open dialogue around mental health has reduced stigma, creating a more compassionate and understanding environment. This focus on well-being has not only improved employee morale but has also led to higher levels of engagement, collaboration, and job satisfaction.
By prioritizing mental health, we’ve cultivated a workplace culture where people thrive both professionally and personally, which ultimately benefits our patients as well.
Anand Mehta
Executive Director, AMFM Healthcare
Allow Employees to Set Their Own Goals
For us, trusting the employee to establish their own overall goals has been an incredible winning solution for both company productivity and employee mental health. When employees can set their own targets, they regard their job as theirs, so they feel independent and feel good about their job. By doing so, it not only allows them to shape their objectives in line with their individual principles and passions, but it also allows them to BETTER IDENTIFY the customized and nuanced paths to meeting those objectives.
For instance, while one employee may make a resolution to better balance work with their personal life and practice self-care, another may aim to motivate themselves to launch a new and exciting project. For their well-being, they may attempt to use techniques such as exercising, taking time-outs or mindfulness exercises. And then another employee might be looking for career development, and they choose to set some goals around learning new skills or taking courses.
In our company, we have learned that empowering people by letting them set their own objectives and then receiving support to achieve them brings motivation which massively contributes to job satisfaction and improves people’s general mental health.
Marc Hardgrove
CEO, The Hoth
Offer Monthly Wellness Benefits
Our monthly wellness benefit supports employees by promoting their physical, mental, and emotional health, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling work experience. By offering a monthly reimbursement for gym memberships, mental health support, mindfulness programs, or access to nutrition counseling, we empower our employees to prioritize self-care. This not only enhances well-being but also reduces burnout, boosts morale, and improves overall job satisfaction. Additionally, this helps our employees provide a higher quality of care to our clients and their families, striving to meet our standard of care. Investing in wellness demonstrates our commitment to our clients and our mission, creating a positive, supportive culture.
Lauren Killawee
Human Resources Manager, Mountainside Treatment Center
Maintain an Open-Door Policy
One thing my company does to promote employee well-being and mental health is providing constant support for any questions or concerns we may have. This open-door policy ensures that we feel heard and valued, which helps reduce stress and fosters a positive work environment. Additionally, we are consistently recognized for our hard work and dedication to our clients, which boosts morale and makes us feel appreciated. The warm, inviting atmosphere created by the leadership further contributes to a culture of trust and respect, making the workplace a supportive space where employees thrive both personally and professionally.
Liana Ross
Clinical Director & Psychotherapist, Gooding Wellness LCSW PC
Offer Mental Health Days
One of the most impactful things we do to promote employee well-being is offering mental health days as part of our time-off policy. These are separate from regular vacation or sick days and are specifically intended for employees to recharge and focus on their mental health without stigma. For example, one team member shared how taking a mental health day helped them reset during a particularly stressful project. When they returned, they were more focused and productive, and it showed the team that it’s okay to prioritize self-care. This initiative has positively transformed our culture. Employees feel supported and are more open about discussing stress and seeking help when needed. It’s fostered a sense of trust and understanding, which has strengthened teamwork and morale. I think prioritizing mental health sends a clear message: we value people, not just their work.
Jason Wong
General Manager, Rosedwell machinery ltd
Develop Peer-Led Support Circles
We developed a peer-led “Support Circle” program where employees share challenges in a safe space. Trained facilitators from our team guide discussions, offering resources and empathy without judgment. This creates a sense of solidarity, reminding employees they’re not alone in their struggles. The program also identifies areas where management can improve processes to reduce workplace stress. It’s a collaborative effort to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and supported equally.
The Support Circle has strengthened trust among team members at every level. Knowing colleagues understand and care has made the workplace feel more inclusive and compassionate. It’s led to real changes in policies, showing employees their feedback drives meaningful action. This transparency and responsiveness have elevated our firm’s culture to one of collective growth. A united team translates to greater resilience and effectiveness in serving our clients.
Jason B. Javaheri
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, J&Y Law
Provide Confidential Counseling Services
During my college years, I worked part-time at a company that prioritized employee well-being by offering confidential counseling services.
What stood out to me was how they made the process completely anonymous. Employees could access counseling through an external provider, and scheduling was handled via an online portal that required no direct interaction with supervisors or HR.
Even the billing system ensured privacy, as the company covered the costs directly without tying them to individual employees.
This approach made it easier for me to take advantage of the service during a particularly stressful academic period without fear of judgment or workplace stigma.
Having this resource not only helped me manage my stress effectively but also showed me how much the company valued its employees’ mental health.
This initiative positively impacted the overall culture, creating an environment of trust and care.
Employees felt supported, knowing they had access to help when needed, and this sense of security promoted higher morale and stronger workplace connections. It demonstrated that prioritizing mental health wasn’t just a policy—it was a core value.
Dr. Carlos Todd
Mental Health Counselor, Mastering Anger
Empower Therapists to Build Their Practice
Just as importantly, we empower our therapists to build a practice and workload that aligns with their preferences, expertise, and goals. We encourage them to develop their own unique brand and voice, and to pursue advanced training in their areas of specialty. Therapists have the autonomy to set their own hours and availability, choose which clients and issues they want to work with, and decide how many clients feel sustainable for them.
We provide a robust online directory where therapists can showcase their niche, background, and personality to attract their ideal clients. We also offer regular training on marketing, social media, and other strategies to help therapists grow their business and referral network in a way that feels authentic to them.
By supporting our therapists in building a practice that is financially viable and personally fulfilling, we’ve created a culture where clinicians feel empowered and energized in their work. This leads to lower burnout, higher job satisfaction, and most importantly, the ability to provide high-quality, client-centered care. We believe this focus on therapist wellbeing and autonomy is what sets us apart.
Joel Blackstock
Clinical Director, TAPROOT THERAPY COLLECTIVE LLC
