What Keeps Employees Happy?

What Keeps Employees Happy? Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

So many of our clients are providing desperately needed services for our communities —working tirelessly through long shifts, high-stakes decisions, and emotional highs and lows. But while they focus on keeping others healthy, it’s critical that employers focus on their well-being, too—especially their mental health.

In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Week, we're taking a moment to reflect on what truly keeps employees happy and engaged at work—and why mental health should be at the heart of every conversation about employee satisfaction.

1. A Culture That Supports Mental Health

Burnout is very common in the healthcare and human services industry, but it’s not inevitable. Organizations that actively promote mental health awareness, provide access to counseling or wellness resources, and train leaders to recognize signs of stress are setting a powerful tone. When staff know it’s okay not to be okay, they’re more likely to seek help before reaching a breaking point.

Pro tip: Normalize mental health check-ins. Incorporating them into regular team meetings or one-on-ones can break down stigma and build trust.

2. Strong Leadership & Communication

A stress free environment may be unavoidable if you are providing care or support services to others—but unclear expectations, poor communication, or a lack of leadership support can push even the most resilient team members over the edge. When leaders are accessible, transparent, and empathetic, it makes a measurable difference in team morale.

What works: Empower managers to lead with empathy and create space for open dialogue. Sometimes, a simple “How are you really doing?” can go a long way.

3. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

Whether it's predictable scheduling, generous PTO, or the ability to swap shifts easily, flexibility is a key driver of happiness in the workforce. It's also one of the most effective tools for protecting mental health.

Especially post-pandemic, we’ve seen how valuable even small efforts can be—like mental health days, hybrid options for non-clinical staff, or access to wellness programs.

4. Recognition & Purpose

It's no secret that clinicians and direct care professionals often go above and beyond. Recognizing their hard work—not just with pizza parties, but with real, meaningful appreciation—builds loyalty and a sense of purpose. Even more powerful? Tying recognition to patient outcomes or community impact.

Consider: Peer-nominated awards, “thank you” boards, or shout-outs from leadership. It costs little but can mean everything.

5. Opportunities to Grow

Feeling stuck is one of the biggest sources of disengagement. Organizations that invest in career growth—through training, mentorship, or internal mobility—show employees they’re valued not just in the moment, but long term. That sense of trajectory contributes to both happiness and retention. Remember, growth doesn't just mean a promotion - it can be as simple as learning a new skill on the job.

The Takeaway:

Keeping employees happy isn't about perks—it's about people. Prioritizing mental health, building supportive environments, and recognizing the emotional weight that employees carry is essential to creating a workplace where they can thrive—not just survive.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s commit to building cultures where professionals feel seen, supported, and sustained.

Need help building teams that support these values? At Everly Talent, we specialize in placing people in environments where they’re set up to succeed—and stay. Because happy teams don’t just happen. They’re built.