iStock Blog iStock Solutions From Our Experts Three Tips to Help SMBs Visualize Workplace Mental Health Year-Round

iStock has released new research showing that 68% of people globally believe that companies have an obligation to implement policies and provide employees with mental health support at work. This is an important factor for businesses to consider when choosing visuals that promote positive well‑being practices beyond Mental Health Awareness Month.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, research from VisualGPS shows that more people now believe that focusing on their mental health (45%) is of greater importance than their physical health (43%). For businesses wanting to foster a supportive work environment, using the right images, videos and illustrations can help de‑stigmatize mental health issues, reshape our understanding of how and when to seek help, and communicate new policies to employees.

Workers are looking for ways to make their jobs better suit them and their lifestyles, as three‑quarters of employees feel that achieving a good work‑life balance is more of a priority now than it was pre‑pandemic. In terms of future work arrangements, 84% agree that companies should allow people to continue working remotely after the pandemic is over, and 46% would like to see employers put their attention toward policies that allow flexible working arrangements.

iStock’s visual experts have provided some tips for small and medium‑sized business owners to keep in mind when communicating to employees about mental health:

Promote positive mental health practices in visual storytelling by depicting people taking breaks from digital devices, decompressing by spending time outdoors, doing something manual or tending to caretaking duties at home. These visuals should help businesses show their commitment to staff wellbeing.

According to VisualGPS, 66% of employees miss the social interactions of an office, while 61% are eager to resume in‑person interactions with colleagues immediately. Employers should consider using images, videos and illustrations that show workers connecting with colleagues, socializing in a physical workspace or catching up outside a traditional work setting.

VisualGPS research shows that 56% feel that their employer is doing everything they can to be more diverse and inclusive in hiring new staff and promotions across the business, indicating that more can be done on these efforts. Think about including people from a wide range of ages, body types, ethnicity, genders, or any combination of these in your images, videos and illustrations.

To explore visuals related to workplace mental health, browse our curation. For additional guidance on how to more accurately visualize mental health in the workplace, check out our Guidelines for Visualizing Workplace Mental Health, created in collaboration with Mind Share Partners.