In recent years, mental health has become a significant concern globally. People are now more vocal about mental health, which reduces associated stigmas.
However, the consequences of mental health struggles are often still not widely talked about in many workplaces. May is a great time to raise awareness of those living with mental health issues because it is Mental Health Awareness Month. Improving mental health awareness in the workplace can help employees better understand the gravity of these struggles, which can lead to a kinder and more empathetic work environment.
Harvard Business Review (HBR) published an article in 2021 titled, “It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work,” which examines a study by Mind Share Partners about the employee mental health experience. In its Mental Health at Work Report, Mind Share Partners compares the state of mental health, stigma and work culture in U.S. workplaces in 2019 and 2021 during the pandemic.
Outlined below are key findings and data points from the study.
- 68% of Millennials (50% in 2019) and 81% of Gen Zers (75% in 2019) have left roles for mental health reasons, both voluntarily and involuntarily.
- 76% of respondents reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition in the past year, up from 59% in 2019.
- Millennials and Gen Zers, LGBTQ+, Black, and Latinx respondents were all significantly more likely to experience mental health symptoms.
- 54% of all respondents said that mental health is a DEI issue, an increase from 41% in 2019.
- 84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that negatively impacted their mental health.
- The most common factor was emotionally draining (e.g., stressful, overwhelming, dull or monotonous) work, which worsened since the pandemic.
- The workaholism that characterizes much of U.S. culture has only been exacerbated by the challenges of the pandemic, leading to increased employee burnout.
- Since the pandemic, employers’ availability of resources grew and often included extra paid time off, company-wide mental health days, and mental health training.
- The workplace “resource” most desired by respondents (31%) was a more open culture around mental health.
- 54% of respondents believed that mental health was prioritized at their company compared to other priorities, up from 41% in 2019.
According to the study, individuals who felt supported by their employer tended to be less likely to experience mental health symptoms, to underperform and miss work, and more likely to feel comfortable talking about their mental health at work.
The HBR article reasons that “given all the workplace factors at play, companies can no longer compartmentalize mental health as an individual’s responsibility to address alone through self-care, mental health days, or employee benefits.” Instead, companies must view mental health as a collective priority.
One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is through a culture change. A workplace culture that promotes supervisor support and provides a safe space for honest discussions can destigmatize mental health and encourage employees to get help.
Thankfully, employees are talking about mental health at work more than in 2019. These open, honest conversations are a step in the right direction. In addition, there are several ways companies can mold their culture to prioritize mental health awareness. A few ideas include:
- Educate supervisors on discussing mental health and providing guidance.
- Encourage supervisors to lead by example. Managers need to model leaving work on time, taking breaks throughout the day, and using their vacation days. They also need t respect employees’ boundaries.
- Encourage supervisors to reach out to employees for regular check-ins.
- Direct employees to talk to their supervisors about potential stressors and any help they may need to succeed.
- Ask employees for feedback and incorporate their input into workplace policies and practices.
- Provide recognition to employees for their work.
- Provide mental healthcare resources and proactively promote them to employees. If you already have these resources, periodically remind employees of these benefits.
- Invest in DEI to support employee mental health and address its intersectionality.
- Encourage employees to discuss challenging social and political topics at work.
Implementing mental health awareness initiatives is an excellent step toward creating a better workplace environment. Companies that prioritize mental health demonstrate they genuinely value their employees’ well-being – and when employees are healthy and cared for, they can bring their best selves to work.