“The Vital Role of HR in Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being”
Human Resources professionals are often the unsung heroes of organizational well-being, navigating the delicate balance between business priorities and the human needs of employees. This became profoundly clear to me during a recent conversation with Sandy, the HR Director at Commercial Distributing in Westfield, Massachusetts. While coordinating the logistics of our meeting, Sandy shared a story that has stayed with me—a story that underscores the essential, and often deeply personal, role HR professionals play in the workplace.
She recounted a moment when a colleague in HR had been approached by an employee who was contemplating suicide. The employee, overwhelmed by personal struggles, saw their HR department as a beacon of hope.
This story is not unique. Across industries, HR professionals find themselves in similar situations every day, quietly stepping in to provide support during moments of crisis. While much attention is rightly given to employee engagement, benefits, and retention strategies, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the critical mental health support HR teams provide—and the emotional toll it can take on them as individuals.
The Growing Need for Mental Health Resources in the Workplace
The workplace has evolved into more than just a place of employment—it’s a community where people seek connection, purpose, and sometimes, solace. The pandemic, economic uncertainty, and rising rates of mental health challenges have only amplified the need for robust support systems within organizations.
HR professionals are increasingly tasked with addressing these challenges, but they can’t do it alone. It’s imperative that organizations prioritize equipping HR teams with the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to foster a culture of mental well-being.
At MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, we see firsthand how access to mental health and substance use services transforms lives. Yet, many employees remain unaware of available resources or hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment. This is where HR professionals can make a profound difference—not just by offering benefits but by actively creating an environment where employees feel safe reaching out for support.
How Organizations Can Empower HR Teams
Supporting employee mental health starts with supporting HR. Here are three ways organizations can empower their HR teams to create a culture of care:
Education and Training:
Provide HR professionals with training on mental health first aid, crisis intervention, and recognizing early warning signs. Empower them with the knowledge to respond effectively while maintaining their own well-being.
Partnering with Local Resources:
Establish connections with community organizations like MiraVista Behavioral Health Center to ensure employees and their families have access to comprehensive care. These partnerships can also provide HR teams with guidance and additional support.
Normalizing Mental Health Conversations:
Leadership must set the tone for destigmatizing mental health challenges by speaking openly about these issues and integrating mental health into the company’s broader wellness strategy.
The story Sandy shared is a powerful reminder that HR professionals are on the front lines of addressing mental health in the workplace. The work you do saves lives, builds resilience, and creates the foundation for a more compassionate workforce.
At MiraVista, we stand ready to partner with HR teams across industries to offer support, guidance, and hope. Together, we can create workplaces that not only meet business goals but also uplift the people who make them possible.
Let us work together to ensure that no one feels alone in their moment of need—and that HR professionals feel supported as they continue to make a difference.
About the Author:
Kimberley Lee is the Chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, a leading provider of mental health and substance use services. She can be reached at 413-264-3042 or klee@miravistabhc.care