Employers should make mental health a daily priority to improve productivity and cut absenteeism, Macomb County Community Mental Health CEO Traci Smith said, urging workplaces to embrace simple supports and sustained awareness.
“Employers need to recognize that on a daily basis, the overall well-being of their employees, including their mental health, is essential for things like productivity and lost workdays,” Smith said during an appearance on Live in the D. She noted national estimates show depression alone accounts for hundreds of millions of missed workdays each year and said mental health factors into a significant share of leaves of absence.
Smith encouraged both managers and workers to view mental wellness as a skill set that builds over time. “It’s really important to recognize that you have to constantly be looking at how you can improve your mental health and overall well-being,” she said. “It’s a little bit like lifting weights - you don’t just go to 500 pounds. You start small and build.”
At work, small actions can calm stress and improve focus, Smith said. “You could take a walk. You could use fidget spinners to distract your mind. You could use a stress ball,” she said. “When you go to use a stress ball and you release it, it’s been demonstrated to trigger a relaxation sensation.” Light exposure also matters. “Light makes a difference,” she said, adding that white light with a UV filter can help on gray days.
Employers can set the tone by making practical resources visible and normal. “Give them a quiet space,” Smith said. Stock stress balls or fidget tools, and back those moves with education. “Why not May? May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Why not create a simple campaign and educate your employees and reduce the stigma,” she said, urging organizations to tap existing community materials.
Outside the office, Smith advised basics to be done consistently. “Get sleep, get exercise, make sure to take breaks,” she said. She compared self-checks to watching a fuel gauge: know your early signs of stress and take steps before a crisis.
For those needing more support, Smith highlighted local help. “Macomb County Community Mental Health is one of the local agencies that does have support for anyone who’s interested, and it is a free service for somebody, whether they do or do not have insurance,” she said. She also encouraged residents to connect with other community providers for mental health and substance use services.
To watch the segment, click the video above.
More information: mccmh.net.