Advanced Strategies For Promoting Wellbeing For Women In The Workplace

Mental wellness in the workplace won’t be achieved overnight, but by collectively embracing mental health as a core business priority, we can create a better working culture—and a more inclusive economy—for everyone. When leaders take the time to understand and address the unique challenges women face, they create a more supportive workplace where women can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

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Many women juggle the responsibilities of excelling at work, nurturing their families, and maintaining their homes on a daily basis, often finding the demands overwhelming. However, successfully managing these roles requires a focus on prioritization and a willingness to seek support. 

For too long, women have believed that handling everything alone is a necessity, hesitating to ask for help out of concern it might be seen as a weakness. In reality, seeking support is a strength, empowering them to involve partners and family members in household tasks and to rely on colleagues at work, ultimately allowing them to concentrate on what truly matters. It’s essential not only to recognize these challenges but also to foster an environment that genuinely supports and uplifts them. Mental wellbeing isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. 

Ritika Arora, Co-founder and COO, Manah Wellness shares advanced strategies for promoting well-being for women in workplace.

1. Integrate Mental Health into Policies and Practices
Mental health should be explicitly mentioned in organizational policies and incorporated into daily practices. This includes offering generous paid time off, flexible work hours, and fostering healthy communication norms. Regular pulse surveys can be used to measure female employee engagement, retention, and mental health dimensions, making it clear that the organization prioritizes women’s mental wellbeing. Additionally, encouraging women employees to conduct annual mental health self-assessments—similar to physicals or performance reviews—can help individuals evaluate their mental wellbeing and access targeted resources for support.

2. Develop Organizational Support Groups
Creating women-led support groups or mental health employee resource groups can be incredibly powerful. These groups provide safe spaces for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Knowing that you’re not alone and that others understand your struggles fosters a sense of community and connection, which is vital for mental wellbeing. These groups not only provide emotional support but also create networks that can help women navigate the complexities of their professional and personal lives.

3. Prioritize Flexibility in the Workplace
Flexibility is crucial for supporting women’s mental health. Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or the ability to take time off for personal matters, leaders should build as much flexibility as possible into policies and practices. It’s also important for leaders to model these behaviors themselves, demonstrating that it’s okay to prioritize self-care and set boundaries. When women see their leaders valuing work-life balance, they are more likely to do the same, reducing stress and preventing burnout.

4. Communicate Available Resources Effectively
Even when mental health resources are available, many employees may not be aware of them. Leaders, particularly women, should actively communicate the availability of these resources and share their own experiences to encourage others to seek help without fear of stigma. Whether it’s through newsletters, team meetings, or one-on-one conversations, ensuring that all employees are informed about available support is essential for fostering a culture of wellbeing.

5. Encourage Boundary-Setting and Unplugging
Promoting the importance of drawing boundaries and unplugging from work is essential for mental health. Leaders can encourage practices such as not checking emails after work hours, prioritizing important tasks, and silencing work-related messages during personal time. Some companies have even implemented policies that restrict work-related communication after hours to help employees fully disconnect and recharge.