Workplace well-being: A state court guide

Fostering a resilient and mentally healthy workforce requires active engagement from leaders and managers.

Few workplaces carry the weight that courthouses do. Court employees navigate high-volume dockets, difficult cases, and distressed parties every day. That weight doesn't always end when the workday is over.

A growing crisis in the workplace

Court employees are not alone. Globally, seven in 10 people are struggling in their daily lives, and research found that a third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety and depression.

This widespread mental health crisis is impacting the workplace, which, combined with the demands of court work, makes it essential for court leaders to prioritize and support well-being initiatives.

Well-being solutions for court leaders

NCSC's Workplace Well-Being: A State Court Guide gives court leaders the tools and strategies they need to foster a stronger, healthier, and safer workplace.

Developed in collaboration with the CCJ-COSCA Rapid Response Team and funded by the State Justice Institute, the guide provides essential information and guidance for court leaders on how to address the needs of their most valuable asset: court employees.

The guide offers insights into workplace well-being, including eight key areas that support workplace wellness and employee well-being. It provides evidence-informed strategies and resources to serve as a foundation for supporting and maintaining a healthy, productive work environment. Each section includes a brief description of the key area, evidence-informed or best practice guidance, and relevant screening tools.

Adopting a risk-based strategy

The first step toward a healthier, more resilient court is adopting a risk-based strategy for workplace wellness. Like managing physical hazards, the goal is to identify, reduce, or eliminate barriers to psychological safety.

Key steps in risk-based employee well-being

1. Risk identification and assessment: Identify internal and external factors that impact well-being.
2. Conduct a risk assessment: Understand the severity of the internal and external factors.
3. Implement targeted interventions: Use an informed, data-driven approach tailored to the needs of staff.
4. Monitor and adjust regularly: Establish key performance indicators to track the effectiveness of initiatives.

Benefits of investing in employee well-being

When court leaders invest in employee well-being, the results are measurable:

• Employees are 3x more likely to trust leadership, 2.5x more likely to be satisfied with their job, and 2.5x more likely to look forward to going to work each day.
• Over 80% of workers who receive mental healthcare report being more effective and satisfied at work.
• Trauma-informed leadership contributes to lower levels of stress, burnout, and absenteeism among employees.

Wellness at work improves personal well-being

A holistic approach to workplace well-being is one of the most powerful tools court leaders have at their disposal. By addressing the full range of factors that influence employee health and satisfaction, leaders can create a work environment where staff truly thrive.

Download the guide for improved well-being