1. Develops a Sense of Belonging:

The feeling of isolation in a workplace is a significant factor affecting employees’ mental health. Employees feeling disconnected or unappreciated at work experience increased stress and frustration. Alumni platforms address this by inviting and encouraging both former and current employees to connect.

Online communities create a strong sense of belonging, togetherness, and inclusion, which eases feelings of isolation. Members connecting through common beliefs, traditions, and experiences can positively impact their wellbeing – and, ultimately, your organisation’s and alumni mental health and culture.

2. Fosters a Supportive Environment: 

Studies indicate that as many as one in seven employees face mental health challenges in the workplace, according to the  Mental Health Foundation UK. This underscores the growing importance of having the right tools and attitudes towards mental health at work.

Alumni networks provide a unique forum for discussion and sharing of personal experiences. This online community can become a “safe space” for both former and current employees to discuss mental health issues. Through the normalisation of these interactions, stigma against mental health challenges is decreased and current employees can easily seek treatment if needed.

According to an article from the American Psychological Association, the shift in attitudes toward employee wellbeing have profound effects on the work of an HR Team. They influence:

• talent management
• policy development
• training
• performance assessments
• diversity and inclusion efforts
• support programs
• cultural development
• data-driven decision-making

HR professionals play a fundamental role in leading these changes in the workplace. They can help create and cultivate supportive environments and address mental health difficulties effectively, with the right skills and institutional support.

3. Promote Mentoring and Guidance:

Alumni networks provide opportunities to learn from others’ experiences and expertise. Former employees can offer practical advice and useful insights to current employees, particularly in dealing with work-related stress or mental health challenges. This exchange of information and camaraderie not only boosts employee morale and well-being but also contributes to a more positive work environment.

Additionally, research shows that mentorship also greatly benefits mentors too, creating a mutual exchange. Those who take on mentorship roles experience significant improvements in job satisfaction, leading to greater commitment, better job performance, and increased career success.

Overall, fostering mentorships and encouraging the sharing of experiences among colleagues have a positive impact on career development and well-being. These are crucial considerations for HR professionals promoting or recruiting mentorship programs within their organizations.

4. Improving Employee Retention:

Employees’ mental health is linked to job satisfaction. Almost half (45%) of those surveyed in a study led by Instinct and Reason have left their workplace because of a poor environment in terms of mental health. Alumni networks foster strong connections between employees and employers, consequently enhancing retention rates. The support and value provided contribute significantly to employees’ likelihood to stay.

5. Stress Reduction:

Connecting current and former members through an alumni platform supplies an outlet for stress reduction, thereby keeping your community more engaged. Providing a pleasant and cathartic environment generally improves members’ mental health. This is achieved through activities like sharing stories, planning events, and suggesting wellness practices.

6. Keeps You Accountable:

Finally, Many believe that most corporations do not provide the necessary support or accessibility for mental health, as highlighted in The State of Workplace Mental Health in Australia Report. Only 37% of employee participants perceive commitment from organizational leaders to promote staff mental health.

An alumni networking platform offers employers a space to assess workplace culture. Therefore, it holds them, along with Human Resources, accountable for addressing employees’ mental health challenges.