Beyond the Bottom Line: How the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is Changing the Way Indiana Businesses Support Their People
In today’s competitive economy, talent is the ultimate differentiator. Indiana companies are not just fighting to attract and retain top performers—they’re working to create workplaces where employees can thrive as whole people. And one of the most overlooked drivers of long-term retention, productivity, and culture? Workplace mental health.
That’s where Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI) steps in. As the state affiliate of Mental Health America, MHAI is bringing a nationally recognized standard for workplace wellness to Indiana: the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health.
This annual certification—developed after two decades of research on employee engagement and wellness—provides employers with a clear framework for evaluating and improving how they support mental health across their organization. More than an accolade, the Bell Seal is a practical roadmap for creating healthier, more resilient teams.
“We know one in five employees will have some kind of mental health crisis,” says Jama Donovan, Workplace Wellness Coordinator at MHAI. “That could be anything—a divorce, becoming a new parent, financial strain, illness. We’re human beings. We can’t just leave those challenges at the door when we come to work.”
What the Bell Seal Measures
The Bell Seal evaluates companies across four core areas, with a detailed 78-question application:
- Workplace Culture—Are leaders actively engaging with employees, gathering feedback through tools like pulse surveys, and creating space for lived experiences to be shared?
- Benefits & Perks—Do employees understand and have access to mental health services through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other benefits? Are those services communicated proactively—before a crisis occurs?
- Compliance & Beyond—Does the organization go further than legally required in areas like parental leave, ADA accommodations, and flexible scheduling?
- Wellness Initiatives—Are programs in place to support physical and mental wellness, from gym memberships to wellness fairs, from walking challenges to preventative health screenings?
The process doesn’t require audits or policy uploads. Instead, companies answer yes/no questions and describe their practices in detail.
“It’s not an intimidating process,” Donovan explains. “You’re going to get out of it what you put into it. The application makes you stop, look at what you’re doing, and see where you can do better.”
Why It Matters for Business Equity
BEI’s mission has always been about advancing economic opportunity—and that includes the well-being of the people who power Indiana’s businesses. Historically, mental health hasn’t always been framed as an equity issue. But Donovan points out it’s deeply tied to it.
“You can’t have a healthy business without healthy people,” she says. “When companies support employees where they are—without making excuses, but with real accommodations—they’re telling their workforce: ‘We value you.’ That’s a powerful retention tool.”
When companies acknowledge and accommodate these realities—while also communicating clearly about the resources available—they’re not just doing the right thing for employees. They’re reducing turnover, improving recruitment, and strengthening their bottom line.
“We’ve all seen what happens when organizations ask for feedback and then go silent,” Donovan notes. “It kills trust. On the other hand, when companies act on what they hear—when they show people they listened—it can completely shift the culture.”
The Indiana Impact
In 2023, just 11 Indiana companies earned Bell Seal certification. In 2025, that number jumped to 42 companies, collectively impacting more than 156,000 employees across the state.
Certified organizations span eight industries and range from hospitals and universities to private sector employers. Some, like Purdue University and Community Health Network, are celebrated for going above and beyond in employee support. Others are just starting their wellness journey—using the Bell Seal process to identify gaps and spark new initiatives.
“One of my favorite parts is watching the lightbulbs go off,” Donovan shares. “I’ll hear leaders say, ‘We’ve never thought about it this way,’ or ‘We didn’t realize another department was already doing something great.’ It’s those moments that make the work worth it.”
The 2026 Bell Seal application window will run January 26 – April 6, 2026. Businesses can start now by:
- Completing a Pre-Survey to assess readiness and eligibility.
- Reviewing the four award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- Pulling together a cross-functional team—often including HR, leadership, and program managers—to answer questions and document practices.
- Contact MHAI for support, whether that’s a quick check-in or a full walk-through of the application.
Certification is annual, with a modest fee based on organization size and type (nonprofit or for-profit). Recipients receive a recognition toolkit, are listed on both the state and national Mental Health America websites, and are celebrated at MHAI’s Wellness Summit each September.
“It’s not just about getting the award,” Donovan emphasizes. “The real value is in what you learn going through the process—and how that strengthens your culture.”
A Challenge to BEI Member Companies
At BEI, we believe strong businesses build strong communities. Supporting the mental health of your workforce is not just a benefit—it’s a competitive advantage. In a labor market where Indiana is working hard to retain talent, the Bell Seal is a way to demonstrate your commitment to people and culture while aligning with national best practices.
“It’s a doable process, and you’re going to learn a lot about yourself, your business, and your employees if you do it,” Donovan says. “You don’t have to have everything perfect to start—sometimes the process is what gets you there.”
We’re inviting BEI’s 140+ member companies to explore Bell Seal certification in 2026. Whether you’re already leading in workplace wellness or just beginning the conversation, the process will give you actionable insights and position your company as an employer of choice.
Learn more and start your journey by visiting the Mental Health America of Indiana’s Bell Seal website.
