IMPROVING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS.

 

Introduction

Employee stress, burnout, and high stress have become a major challenge for organizations today. Due to the increasing workload, difficulty in time management, and competitive work environment, employees are facing severe mental problems. In such a situation, the Human Resource Management department plays an important role by implementing Wellness and Mental Health programs for employee well-being (Armstrong & Taylor, 2014).

Managing Employee Stress and Burnout.

Stress is the daily response to high pressure situations that occur during work. Burnout is a mental and physical weakness caused by long-term stress. Due to the occurrence of such conditions, the productivity and reliability of employees decrease (Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2023).

For this reason, many organizations provide employees with an opportunity to control their stress by implementing Wellness Programs. Examples of this are giving new interest to employees through mental development workshops, relaxation sessions, and work-life balance programs.

 


Role of HR

Mindfulness Sessions – The HR department conducts mindfulness programs to increase employees’ attention, emotional control, and mental composure. This helps employees to settle into the present moment without being stressed about the past or the future. 

Counselling Services – The HR department provides trusted counseling services to resolve personal and professional issues. This allows employees to openly discuss their problems and take breaks.

Physical Fitness Programs – A healthy body is also important for mental health. Therefore, activities such as yoga, walking programs, and health challenges are planned for employees by the HR department.


Examples from Sri Lanka

Several companies in Sri Lanka are currently successfully implementing such programs. For example, MAS Holdings, Dialog Axiata, and Commercial Bank have allocated special funds for employee welfare programs and conducted mindfulness and fitness programs (Daily FT, 2024). Several government agencies have also introduced programs such as “Workplace Well-being Week” for employee mental health.


Conclusion

Employee well-being and mental health are essential components of an organization’s continued existence. HR departments can reduce employee stress and burnout through mindfulness, counseling, and physical fitness programs, and build a healthy culture that is nurtured by the programs. A healthy employee is a valuable asset for a productive organization



References:

Daily FT (2024). Employee Well-being Initiatives in Sri Lankan Companies. Colombo: Wijeya Newspapers.

Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S. (2014). Human Resource Management: Practice and Principles. Kogan Page Publishers.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (2023). Workplace Mental Health and Productivity Report.

Comments

  1. NISHADI MAHAKUMBURA5 November 2025 at 10:18

    "This is a very insightful post. Promoting mental health in the workplace is truly important, and your points really bring to light how supportive programs allow for such a positive and productive environment. Well done-really enjoyed reading this!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 05:11

      Thank you so much for appreciating my efforts to create a positive and productive work environment through this article.

      Delete
    2. niroshani29 November 2025 at 05:11

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  2. Nilanka Herath18 November 2025 at 05:30

    This blog gives a clear and meaningful overview of how mental health programs strengthen employee well-being and organizational performance. It highlights practical HR initiatives like mindfulness, counseling, and fitness activities and shows how Sri Lankan organizations are applying them effectively. A concise and relevant explanation of why supporting mental health is essential for a productive and positive workplace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 05:46

      Thank you for agreeing with me that the ultimate goal of supporting mental health initiatives is a productive and positive workplace.

      Delete
  3. Kalani Binusha18 November 2025 at 07:48

    Great post! You’ve done a really good job highlighting how mental health programs like mindfulness, counselling, and fitness activities can help reduce stress and burnout — especially in the Sri Lankan workplace context.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 05:58

      Thank you for the positive feedback! I am really glad that this post was able to effectively highlight the impact of these specific programs in the Sri Lankan context. Reducing stress and burnout will be a very important factor in building a healthy work culture.

      Delete
  4. CHARUNDYA WICKRAMASINGHE19 November 2025 at 01:55

    Excellent points. I completely agree that focusing on employee well-being and mental health is crucial. HR programs like mindfulness, counseling, and fitness initiatives not only reduce stress but also create a healthier, more productive workplace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 06:05

      Thank you! Thank you for agreeing with me on my efforts to share information on focusing on employee well-being and mental health to foster both a healthy work culture and a productive environment.

      Delete
  5. Kanishka Bandaranayake20 November 2025 at 15:16

    This blog post successfully addresses the critical need for HR departments to strategically implement mental health programs in order to improve employee well-being. The discussion is easy to understand, highlights the main problems (stress, burnout), and provides appropriate academic tone along with relevant examples from Sri Lankan businesses to support the suggested solutions (mindfulness, counseling).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 06:18

      Thank you for your feedback! I agree with you that the post successfully addresses the critical need for strategic HR implementation.

      Delete
  6. Rukshan Hewamallikage21 November 2025 at 13:41

    As someone working in hospitality, I see every day how the emotional state of our staff directly shapes the guest experience. This article is a timely reminder that mental health programs are not just HR initiatives—they are investments in dignity, resilience, and service excellence. In hotels, where long hours and guest demands can easily lead to stress and burnout, mindfulness sessions, counseling, and fitness activities give employees the strength to stay motivated and compassionate. A healthy, supported team doesn’t just perform better; they create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that guests remember. For us hoteliers, prioritizing well-being is not optional—it’s the foundation of sustainable success

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. niroshani29 November 2025 at 06:29

      Thank you for your work-based insight into how important emotional well-being is in an industry where the guest experience is directly tied to the emotional state of staff. I agree with you that mental health programs are not just human resource initiatives, but are an essential investment in dignity, resilience, and service excellence.

      Delete

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