Depression and anxiety may be as common as the common cold, yet we rarely talk about them — especially at work. The stigma surrounding mental health, the belief that it’s something to hide or be ashamed of, prevents 8 in 10 employees with a mental health condition from speaking up or seeking the help they need.
Take a moment to reflect on your workplace. According to a Gallup poll, one in five employees is currently experiencing fair to poor mental health. For women under 30, that number jumps to one in three. These statistics demand our attention:
- Mental condition is the leading cause of workplace disability worldwide.
- Almost half of workers aged 18–29 report that their job negatively affects their mental health.
- Alarmingly, fewer than half of these employees are aware of mental health resources provided by their employer.
- Employees reporting poor mental health miss nearly 12 workdays a year on average, costing employers $4,080 per employee annually.
Despite these challenges, many employees remain silent about their struggles. The 2023 Survey by the American Psychological Association found that 43% of workers fear negative repercussions if they disclose a mental health condition to their employer.
Starting the conversation around mental health
We can’t afford to let mental health remain a taboo in the workplace. By fostering open, honest conversations, we can promote overall well-being and create a healthier work atmosphere. Here’s how you can start:
- Share resources regularly: Discuss mental health support during company meetings and team check-ins, ensuring employees know what help is available.
- Lead by example: Encourage leaders to share their own mental health experiences through internal communication, helping dismantle the stigma.
- Promote self-care through PTO: Normalize using paid time off for mental well-being, not just physical health.
- Model healthy habits: Talk openly about your own self-care practices, like taking a midday walk or attending a therapy session.
- Listen to your teams: Conduct surveys to understand employees’ mental health challenges and awareness of resources, then act on the feedback.
Creating a safe and supportive culture
Taking action requires more than conversations — it’s about ensuring your workplace culture truly supports mental health. Ask yourself these critical questions:
- Do employees make dismissive or harmful comments about mental health, like “She’s being crazy” or “Everyone gets depressed sometimes”?
- Are employees trained to recognize and respond empathetically to signs of psychological distress?
- Does your company enforce anti-discrimination policies, including addressing inappropriate remarks about mental health?
- Are reasonable accommodations, such as time off for medical appointments, provided for employees struggling with mental health issues?
- Are employees with mental health issues excluded socially or professionally?
If the answers to these questions raise concerns, it’s time to act. Normalize mental health discussions by addressing them with the same importance as physical health. Incorporate mental health education into annual training to help employees recognize and challenge their own unconscious biases.
Breaking the stigma, together
Acceptance and education are powerful tools in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. When employees feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to seek help when needed, leading to a healthier, more productive workplace. By normalizing these conversations and fostering a compassionate culture, we can make mental health a priority — for everyone.
