It’s no secret that The Great Resignation completely changed the labor market and the employment landscape. Across all industries, people left their jobs in search of better opportunities, work-life balance, and purpose. While this radically changed the way employers attract and retain talent, it also brought to the forefront the importance of mental health in the workplace.
In a post-Great Resignation world, prioritizing mental well-being is no longer a choice but a necessity for employers to be competitive in the labor market. Candidates are increasingly looking for employers that care about their well-being, including their mental health. By promoting a mentally healthy workplace, organizations can set themselves apart as desirable employers, allowing them to attract and recruit the best and brightest.
In addition to recruiting and retaining top talent, it’s been established in study after study that good mental health and well-being leads to better business results. A recent Fast Company article shared findings from a compelling new paper from Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre. The paper shows more clearly than ever that prioritizing employee well-being could transform companies, and the economy, in driving long-term business success, “Even more strikingly, high company well-being levels were not only predictive of contemporaneous firm performance, but of future firm performance. The Oxford team looked at the well-being data for companies before Covid, and the financial performance after Covid; the results showed the same link between well-being and return on assets, profits and firm value.”
With these learnings and takeaways in mind, G2 decided to double down on mental health and work-life balance for our employees. In 2021, we published our workplace Commitments to building a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all. G2 believes that if we are to live up to our Commitments, it’s also critical to prioritize mental health and well-being. At G2 we do that through:
It’s also important to remember that in today’s world, where businesses are becoming increasingly global, we must respect and support what mental health looks like across the cultures and regions in which we operate. At G2, we have offices in Europe and Asia, so understanding that mental health is personal and reflective of culture, we asked a few members of our global team about mental health and what it means to them.
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Yukta Rustagi Divergent Abilities & Allies ERG Co-Lead |
How does good mental health make you a stronger teammate? It definitely impacts productivity. When you are doing well, you can think outside of the box and contribute more. When you’re in a good mental space you’re somebody others can talk to because you radiate a positive aura. When you’re not in a good space, it affects everybody around you. It also blocks your vision, creativity. Good mental health helps you see better, hear better, and identify what’s going on around you. How have you taken care of your mental health at G2? On my first day, I got a debrief of all our benefits and I remember hearing about therapy sessions. I always wanted to go to therapy but as a student, I couldn't afford it. There was a sense of relief, because I can go now! It’s also the kind of culture G2 has built. I'm so happy that employees can openly talk about it. Our team managers and leaders always start off our meetings with ”how are you doing, how are you feeling?” At one meeting, I mentioned that I’ve been using our therapy benefits and my manager encouraged me to share it and to promote it as it may help others! |
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Anoop Nair |
What does good mental health mean to you? Self care to me is about investing in my future and doing the things that'll make me feel good about myself. The scale of self care can be overwhelming but it can be as simple as checking on oneself mentally, physically and emotionally. The modern world can be an easy prey to nihilism, so finding meaning in the little things can go a long way. What are ways you care for your mental health? My managers and teammates are very empathetic and kind and that has been of immense help. I've also found solace in the fact that humans are flawed and there's no need to be hard on ourselves when we make mistakes. I've learned to be kind to myself and others around me. Getting exercise (I like going for long walks), spending time with the trees, and eating healthy has contributed immensely to my overall well-being. |
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Elise Bresler |
How do you believe mental health makes a person a stronger teammate? Good mental health is the cornerstone of my strength as a teammate. When I'm in a positive mental state, I can focus on the strengths and potential in others, fostering a collaborative and uplifting team environment. Feeling empowered and at my best allows me not only to excel in my responsibilities but also to genuinely care about the well-being and success of my colleagues. What are your favorite ways that G2 supports mental health? G2's commitment to mental health is truly commendable. I appreciate the emphasis on work-life balance, with flexible schedules that accommodate personal needs. Among the fantastic offerings, employee wellness programs stand out as game-changers for my own mental health as they pay for my gym (with classes, spa, and sauna) and we all know that physical health is highly linked to mental health! |
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Charlie Albuery |
How do you believe mental health makes a person a stronger teammate? I'm a huge believer that you can't pour from an empty cup. G2 is full of amazingly hard working folks who are hugely generous with their time and expertise. It's easy to forget that looking after your own headspace is the kindest thing you can do for others. It lets you show up for other people more consistently as a colleague, as a sounding board, and as a friend. What are your favorite ways that G2 supports mental health? G2 encourages us to show up to work as our 100% authentic selves, I genuinely believe that's the most important thing a company can do to promote mental health in the workplace. Especially in a world where so many of us are hybrid/remote, it's not healthy to lock the real you away for 9 hours a day. Looking after your mental health looks different for everyone, but for me it’s closely tied to sport and staying physically active. My mind always jumps to our employee wellness program as such a kind benefit that shows G2 is investing in my life outside of work, and committed to helping me pursue the things that keep my mood regulated and my vibes immaculate. |
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Michelle McCarthy |
How do you believe mental health makes a person a stronger teammate? Being in tune with my own mental health has truly changed the way I interact with people. I can’t even begin to describe how big my support system is - from friends and family, to trained professionals, to support groups, to coaches and instructors! But at the end of the day, it is up to me to commit to taking care of myself. Because of some of my mental health practices, I feel like I am able to bring my best self to every relationship - and that goes for work relationships as well! It helps me be more patient and empathetic towards my teammates and coworkers, and in turn, nourishes healthier relationships. Which then makes work feel like a healthy environment, which betters my mental health! It’s a never ending cycle! What are some of your favorite ways that G2 supports mental health? I am constantly thankful for G2's emphasis on a healthy work-life balance. I feel like I’m always able to get my work done during the day and have the ability to step away fully come 5pm. ERGs and slack channels are also a great way to connect with people at work who have similar interests as me - and this makes me feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. |
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Godard Abel |
Why do you believe it’s important to support mental health in the workplace? At G2, we practice Conscious Leadership. In fact, it’s one of our Leadership Principles, “Lead Consciously.” This includes the commitment of “Play and Rest” which encourages rest, renewal, and taking care of ourselves so we are energized and continually set up for success at work. That’s why we invest in and commit to supporting mental health, work-life balance, and wellness for all G2ers. How do you take care of your own mental health? Personally, I aim to take at least an hour each day for a combination of meditation and physical activity (ideally outdoors). This is important because it allows me to clear my mind, clear my stress, and connect with nature. Taking an hour each day for self care, or "inner engineering" as I call it, is key to clearing my mind, opening me to authentic connections, and putting myself in a good place to climb personal and professional PEAKs. |
In a post-Great Resignation world, employee mental health is and will continue to be an important aspect of employee engagement and wellness. Organizations that recognize this and invest in creating a mentally healthy workplace will benefit in many ways — from attracting top talent and improving retention rates to increased productivity. The employment landscape is drastically different than it was just a few years ago, and to thrive in this new era, employers should prioritize the mental health and well-being of their most valuable assets—their people.
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