SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH AS A STRATEGIC HR FUNCTION IN BUSINESS

Abstract

Employee well-being has become a critical priority for HR professionals, especially given the increasing prevalence of mental health problems in the workplace in the wake of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In such circumstances, the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and healthy work environment where employees can effectively realize their potential is increasing. The article updates and theoretically analyzes the role of HR professionals in creating a work environment that promotes the mental health of employees in business organizations. It is determined that the role of HR in modern conditions is significantly expanding. The HR professional acts as a strategic partner of management, who not only carries out the selection and development of personnel, but is also responsible for the emotional well-being, stability, and cohesion of the team. Supporting employees’ mental health through coaching, psychological counseling, wellness programs, stress management training, emotional intelligence workshops, crisis support, flexible work formats, and other measures has a positive impact on organizational effectiveness. It is additionally emphasized that an effective strategy for maintaining mental health should include preventive measures aimed at reducing burnout, increasing emotional literacy, and developing self-regulation skills among employees. It is important to integrate the principles of psychological safety into the corporate culture, which ensures trust, openness in communications, and the ability to seek help without fear of stigmatization. The importance of HR professionals in building a staff support system during crisis situations, adapting new employees, and creating development programs focused on empathy and caring for the team is also considered. The results of theoretical analysis show that HR's focus on supporting employees' mental health is becoming one of the key factors in sustainable business development, increasing its reputational capital and competitiveness in the face of modern socio-economic challenges.