Verywell Mind Webinar: Mental Health in the Workplace

Supporting mental health in the workplace is important for both employers and employees. The Verywell Mind: Mental Health in the Workplace webinar provided strategies to promote mental well-being at work. Here are key takeaways from the discussion:

1. Disclosing Mental Health at Work:

• Benefits: Increased awareness, potential accommodations, understanding of co-workers.
• Drawbacks: Potential discrimination, gossip, and potential negative consequences.
• Consideration: Weigh the pros and cons, consider how much to divulge, and remember your rights.
• Approach: Be honest with someone you trust at work who is likely to be supportive.

2. Objections and Solutions to Talking Up About Mental Health:

• Obstacles: Lack of safety, lack of community care, and fear of judgment.
• Solutions: Create a safe environment, encourage compassion and approachability, conduct workshops on mental health and personal well-being, encourage employees to use Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick leave, and destigmatize mental health issues.

3. How and When to Talk About Mental Health at Work:

• Clarity: Use direct language and call mental health what it is, without euphemisms.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone and strike a balance between honesty and oversharing.
• Establishing Boundaries: As a manager or HR, establish boundaries kindly and compassionately; avoid overwhelming yourself or the person you support.
• Resources: Use available resources, including therapists outside of the workplace, to address mental health concerns.

4. Different Ways to Address Workplace Mental Health:

• Open Conversation: Open dialogues about mental health can reduce stigma and promote understanding.
• Leadership Modeling: Leadership should prioritize and model good mental health care, shifting the narrative towards understanding and support.
• Company Support: Companies can offer various mental health benefits, such as company-wide time off, relaxation spaces, and mental health activities during working hours.
• Time Allocated: Allocating time for mental health in the workplace reduces stigma and encourages employees to prioritize their well-being.

Fostering an open, honest, and compassionate environment is crucial for addressing mental health in the workplace. Employees and management must collaborate to create a safe space where self-care is normalized and seen as a preventive strategy rather than a crisis response.