Companies can be certified with the “Bell Seal” for Workplace Mental Health

Certify your company with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

Employees want workplaces that are stable, supportive, and less stressful. Employers want employees who are engaged, productive, and loyal. By implementing policies and practices that support employee well-being, employers can achieve the distinct but complementary goals of both employees and the organization.

In recent years, many employers have implemented “workplace wellness” initiatives in an attempt to attract and retain employees, increase engagement, and reduce health care costs. However, while these initiatives can contribute to wellness, they are only part of a larger set of factors that lead to loyal and engaged employees.

An employer who strives to improve workplace culture, offers generous health insurance and other benefits, and commits to mental health from the top-down can make a considerable impact on the financial, emotional, and social health of its organization. When an employer invests in mental health, it is simply better for employees and better for business.

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The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

MHA is proud to introduce the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, a certification program that recognizes employers who are committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.

With 40 years’ experience in workplace mental health, MHA developed a set of standards to assess an employer’s policies and practices that support employee mental health and well-being. The Bell Seal considers both the 1 in 5 employees who will experience a mental health condition each year and the 5 in 5 employees who benefit from a worker-friendly, highly productive, and psychologically safe workplace.

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. Through the certification process, employers will have the opportunity to discuss the relationship between mental health and the following goals:

• Attract potential employees and increase retention;
• Improve employee engagement and productivity;
• Reduce health care costs and lost revenue due to poor workplace mental health;
• Address concerns with presenteeism and absenteeism;
• Reduce the rate of employee turnover; and
• Identify gaps and learn about resources to support employee mental health.

Because all workplaces are different, an employer can aspire to receive recognition at four levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

An employer will be assessed—and recognition ultimately determined by—the following five categories:

1. Workplace Culture
2. Health Insurance & Benefits
3. Employee Perks & Programs
4. Legal & Ethical Compliance
5. Leadership & Community Engagement

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Application Process

The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of an employer’s existing policies and practices that impact employee mental health and well-being. 

To begin the application process, complete the following steps:

1. Submit an employer information form.
2. MHA will then contact you to provide more information and access to the Bell Seal Manual and full online application form.
3. Review and prepare the application items requested in the Bell Seal Manual.
4. Submit the completed application via link provided by MHA point of contact.
5. Mail the application fees by check at time of submission.
6. Receive and discuss results with MHA point of contact.

Apply to qualify your workplace for Bell Seal certification by completing the Employer Information Form.