Mental Health in Organizations: Theoretical Analysis and Proposal of the Author’s Concept of STEP-Method of Supporting Mental Well-Being of Employees

Olena Derkach

Citation: Olena Derkach, "Mental Health in Organizations: Theoretical Analysis and Proposal of the Author’s Concept of STEP-Method of Supporting Mental Well-Being of Employees", Universal Library of Business and Economics, Volume 02, Issue 01.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

This article examines the theoretical underpinnings of mental health in organizations and proposes the author’s STEP Method—Strategy, Training, Engagement, and Prevention—as an integrated framework for promoting employee well-being. The discussion begins with an overview of contemporary definitions and classifications of mental health, highlighting the continuum from flourishing to diagnosed mental disorders. It then addresses key organizational factors such as leadership style, stigma reduction, and psychosocial interventions, underscoring the impact of mental health on absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. Drawing on current research and best practices, the article demonstrates how the STEP Method situates mental health initiatives within a broader corporate strategy. By embedding training modules for both leaders and employees, fostering continuous engagement, and prioritizing prevention, STEP offers a holistic approach that extends beyond traditional individual-level solutions (eg, Employee Assistance Programs). It is argued that this structured, systemic orientation not only mitigates work-related stressors but also cultivates a supportive culture in which employees are empowered to seek help proactively. The author concludes that STEP may serve as a cornerstone for building resilient, adaptable organizations well-positioned to address evolving mental health challenges.


Keywords: Workplace Mental Health; Organizational Well-Being; Stress Management; STEP Method; Employee Assistance Programs; Leadership Engagement; Stigma Reduction; Prevention.

Download doi https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulbec.2025.0201007