MHA creates workplace mental health certification program

Mental Health America (MHA) on Nov. 5 announced its Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health Certification Program. MHA officials say the first‐of‐its kind certification program was created by MHA to assess workplaces by five categories: workplace culture, health insurance and benefits, employee perks and programs, legal compliance, and leadership and community engagement. By creating a mentally healthy work environment for all employees, organizations can attract potential employees and increase retention, improve employee engagement and productivity, reduce health care costs and lost revenue as a result of poor workplace mental health, address concerns with presenteeism and absenteeism, reduce the rate of employee turnover, and identify gaps and learn about resources to improve support for employees, according to MHA. The Bell Seal will recognize employer advances in workplace mental health by awarding annual recognition levels of bronze, silver, gold and platinum. An organization with Bell Seal certification will be recognized nationwide as a workplace that values mental health and a mentally healthy work environment for all employees.