Research from the American Heart Association shows that routine stress, including job strain and long working hours, may contribute to serious health problems, including elevated risk for heart disease and stroke and experiencing depression for the first time.

Working on fast-paced, demanding projects and constantly being connected to technologies can make the workplace exciting — and very challenging. While being challenged at work can help strengthen resilience as a skill, it can also come with a cost. Approximately two in three employees report that work is a significant source of stress. And stress can lead to depression and anxiety.

By taking steps to build a more resilient workforce, you can help your employees better manage their high-demanding jobs, stay balanced when faced with strong emotions and support each other in difficult times.

Use these tips to move your workplace away from routine stress and toward resiliency.

1. Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and needs by having open conversations. Encourage honest talk about mental health to break down stigmas.
2. Establish a wellness committee or resource group that can focus on bringing wellness resources into your workplace. This group can help design and implement initiatives that include promoting mental health.
3. Review your company’s mental health resources for psychological safety practices, resources and tools to share with employees.
4. Bring mental health experts into the workplace to host seminars on stress management, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Educating employees on effective strategies for handling workplace challenges goes a long way.
5. Empower your employees to support one another in times of stress. Encouraging peer connections fosters a sense of community and provides additional avenues of support.
6. Be a vocal and visible leader who makes the health and wellbeing of all employees a priority. Demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing sets the tone for the entire workplace.
7. Encourage philanthropy in and outside of the workplace, as giving to others can improve mental health and morale.
8. Provide management training to all supervisors so they can balance emotional support with work demands.
9. Conduct annual reviews of your company’s progress related to mental health and wellbeing. Identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes to maintain momentum.
10. Train your team in Mental Health First Aid at Work so they learn to recognize and respond to colleagues who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge in the workplace. Our latest MHFA at Work courses are designed to empower every level of your organization, fostering a culture of support, compassion and wellbeing. They’re available in industry-specific versions for restaurants, retail and manufacturing, and there are learning options for every employee. To learn more about MHFA at Work, visit MHFA.org/workplace.