Written by Rachael Steimnitz, NAMI-NYC’s Director of Workplace Mental Health, and Alayna Auerbach, NAMI-NYC’s Manager of Workplace Mental Health

Think back to your first day at a new job. Was onboarding welcoming and supportive, or did it feel overwhelming and disconnected? As the competition for top talent intensifies, employers are discovering that prioritizing employee mental health sets them apart. This is especially true for the incoming Gen Z workforce, who value mental health support as a crucial component of their career and work-life balance.

Recognizing this need, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) developed “From Day One,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering a welcoming environment for new employees by promoting a culture of mental health awareness and support.

“From Day One” is a turnkey program developed by NAMI-NYC and designed to integrate mental health into the onboarding process, ensuring new hires feel supported and valued from the very beginning. Anis Boukadoum

In today’s remote work environment, new hires often struggle to feel engaged and connected. Without a strong sense of belonging, employees can quickly become disengaged, leading to increased turnover and lost productivity. With 92% of workers now seeking workplaces that support mental health and considering behavioral health benefits crucial when evaluating new job opportunities, it’s clear that integrating mental health support into core strategies is essential for employers to remain competitive.

A company’s commitment to mental health can significantly impact its reputation and attractiveness as an employer. Mental health support in the workplace can take many forms, from comprehensive health insurance coverage with mental health services, to offering flexible work schedules that help employees manage stress and avoid burnout. Integrating these practices into the onboarding process enables companies to make an immediate and lasting impression. A robust onboarding experience enhances performance, job satisfaction, and reduces staff turnover. Employees who undergo comprehensive onboarding are more likely to stay with their employer, feel connected to the company, and believe that the organization cares about their well-being and growth.

Moreover, promoting a culture of mental health requires integrating supportive practices into everyday operations rather than treating them as standalone initiatives. “From Day One,” is a set of resources designed to help employers seamlessly incorporate mental health messaging into their onboarding processes. The cornerstone of the initiative is a customizable presentation for new hires that lays the foundation for communicating the company’s values around mental health. It includes space for input from leadership on the importance of mental health, provides concrete tools for employees to develop mental health skills, and offers a streamlined guide for accessing company wellness resources. These resources are adaptable, allowing companies to tailor them to their specific needs and culture. This toolkit includes:

  • Business case for incorporating mental health into onboarding
  • Implementation guidance to help operationalize the program
  • Evaluation tools to measure the impact
“From Day One” emphasizes that we all have mental health because we all have a mind. This enables employees to start thinking about and caring for their mental health from the start of their experience at work. NAMI-NYC

As part of the NAMI-NYC Workplace Mental Health Collaborative, nine employers provided feedback on the development of this initiative and were supported in implementing it at their companies. Each employer utilized the resources differently. Some used the business case to draw leadership attention and spark discussions on overhauling onboarding, while others incorporated elements into their existing structures. Employers emphasized that integrating mental health messaging into onboarding is just the first step. Regular check-ins and repeated messaging about mental health resources help new hires feel supported and confident in accessing the help they need.

Emphasizing mental health from the beginning shows employees that it is a core company value. This proactive approach encourages employees to utilize available resources and gradually transforms the company’s culture. When employers prioritize mental health from day one, it becomes an integral part of the company’s culture. This fosters a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce. Focusing on mental health helps companies create a supportive and resilient workplace, which attracts and retains top talent, boosts productivity, reduces turnover rates, and fosters a stronger, more positive company culture. In a competitive job market, making mental health a cornerstone of your onboarding process is essential for long-term success.

Access free resources from NAMI-NYC’s signature initiative, “From Day One,” to thoughtfully incorporate mental health messaging into onboarding.

Author(s)

  • NAMI NYC

    National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC)

    For over 40 years, NAMI-NYC has helped individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy. The NAMI-NYC Workplace Mental Health Initiative (WMHI) provides custom training and technical assistance to increase awareness and reduce stigma towards mental health in the workplace, create flexible organizational policies and facilitate open discussions about mental health, as well as ensure all employees and their families understand available company and community resources. To learn more, visit www.naminyc.org/workplace.