Bell Seal certification: Shining a spotlight on mentally healthy workplaces

By WHISPER EDWARDS
Editorial Assistant
whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 1/31/25

Mental Health America (MHA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification, a national program recognizing employers committed to fostering mentally …

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Bell Seal certification: Shining a spotlight on mentally healthy workplaces

Posted

Mental Health America (MHA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification, a national program recognizing employers committed to fostering mentally healthy work environments.

This certification evaluates workplace policies, benefits, culture and compliance through a holistic lens, reflecting MHA's long-standing dedication to mental health advocacy and research.

OPEN TO EMPLOYERS NATIONWIDE

Employers of all sizes and industries are encouraged to apply for the Bell Seal, which has certified organizations ranging from small businesses with three employees to industry giants with more than 1.5 million workers across 39 states. The application window closes on April 4, with a simple online process that takes about one to two hours to complete. MHA advises that applicants prepare responses in advance, often requiring input from teams like human resources and employee resource groups.

Organizations engaged in discriminatory practices or policies against employees with mental health or substance use conditions are ineligible to apply. A pre-application survey is available to help employers determine their eligibility.

A PATH TO CERTIFICATION

The Bell Seal certification process begins with submitting an interest form, followed by preparing and submitting an online application. Applicants pay a modest fee based on organizational size and industry, ranging from $150 for small nonprofits to $500 for large private companies. Mental Health America Affiliates can apply for free.

Certified employers gain more than just a badge of honor. Benefits include a custom benchmarking report, recognition on the Bell Seal website and annual outcomes publication, a promotion toolkit and access to the Workplace Wellness newsletter. Employers may also be invited to participate in speaking engagements, resource sharing and blog spotlights.

IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES FROM 2024

In 2024, 271 employers achieved Bell Seal certification after completing a rigorous 54-criteria evaluation. Key highlights from the program's findings include:

  • Commitment to culture and wellness: Certified employers excelled in workplace culture and wellness programs, scoring 94% and 95% on average, respectively.
  • Equitable health care access: 65% of recipients ensured parity between physical and mental health services, up from 63% in 2023.
  • Support for recovery: 94% implemented return-to-work accommodations for employees recovering from mental health or substance use conditions.
  • Advancing family leave: 42% of recipients offered paid family leave for at least 12 weeks, compared to 39% in 2023.
  • Worker-led resource groups: 93% encouraged worker-led groups, fostering peer support and connectedness.

Additionally, 74% of certified employers reported that their leaders openly shared lived experiences with mental health or substance use conditions, a sign of increasing workplace transparency and empathy.

GOOD FOR EMPLOYEES, GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Mental Health America emphasizes that the Bell Seal certification is more than a badge — it's an opportunity for organizations to reflect on and improve their workplace policies and benefits. By prioritizing mental health, employers not only enhance employee well-being but also strengthen organizational culture and productivity.

For employers looking to take the next step, visit www.mhanational.org/bestemployers. Applications must be submitted by April 4, for consideration in the upcoming certification cycle.