Employee wellness is a matter of life or death

In 2022, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death across all age groups in the U.S. More alarmingly, it was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–14 and 20–34, and the third leading cause for those aged 15–19. These statistics underscore the severity of the crisis and its far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and workplaces.

This data highlights the critical need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention strategies to address the growing challenges faced by individuals across all demographics. Organizations must proactively address these issues, not only to support their employees’ well-being but also to foster resilient, thriving workplaces. So, how can we promote whole-person health in a world of increasing stress and challenges?

Take personal responsibility

Maintaining personal well-being is foundational for leaders and employees alike. Emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to manage oneself and relationships effectively—plays a critical role. It encompasses:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and their impact on others
• Self-management: Managing stress, staying adaptable, and achieving balance
• Social awareness: Understanding and empathizing with others’ perspectives
• Relationship management: Building trust and resolving conflicts effectively

Incorporating practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and physical activity can significantly improve mental and emotional stability. Leaders, in particular, must prioritize self-care to model healthy behaviors for their teams. As the saying goes, “You can’t help others put on their oxygen masks until you’ve secured your own.”

Establish virtual boundaries

In today’s hyper-connected world, the lines between personal and professional life are increasingly blurred. The rise of video conferencing and digital communication has amplified this, leading to widespread reports of "Zoom fatigue" and digital burnout.

Setting boundaries for virtual interactions is essential. This might include:

• Limiting after-hours communication
• Scheduling regular breaks from screens
• Encouraging “offline” time to recharge

Health experts emphasize that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Organizations can support this by establishing clear expectations around digital communication and promoting flexible work arrangements.

Foster organizational well-being

Addressing mental health challenges requires action at the organizational level. Many companies are investing in programs designed to enhance employee engagement and well-being. These initiatives go beyond standard benefits and focus on creating environments that support holistic health.

Forbes highlights several practices that leaders can adopt to promote employee well-being:

• Mindfulness and emotional intelligence training to help employees manage stress
• Gratitude practices to foster a positive and supportive work environment
• Corporate social responsibility programs to give employees a sense of purpose

Even in the absence of formal programs, fostering a culture of resilience can make a significant difference. Creating safe spaces for employees to voice concerns, share opinions, and offer mutual support can help teams manage stress and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

It’s time to act

As leaders, the responsibility to prioritize employee wellness has never been clearer. What steps are you taking today to ensure that your organization supports mental health and well-being? Have you initiated conversations with stakeholders or sponsored initiatives that address these pressing needs?

We can no longer assume that everyone is okay. It’s time to take proactive measures to build workplaces that value and protect the mental and emotional health of all employees.

At Cynuria, we are committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive. Contact us today to learn how we can support your efforts to promote a healthier, more resilient workplace.

If you or someone you know is in danger of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 for confidential support.