A Practical Approach to Mental Health Training in the Workplace
In the evolving workplace landscape, the importance of mental health has become increasingly recognized. Yet, there remains a significant journey toward fully integrating mental health awareness and support into the connective tissue of workplace culture. Leaders play a crucial role in this transformation, and recent data sheds light on where their focus should lie to make the most impactful changes.
In our recent LinkedIn poll, we asked leaders - As a leader, if you could prioritize one aspect of workplace mental health, what would it be?
A significant 43% chose mental health training over other options like mental health resources or wellness benefits, and 36% chose peer support programs. This data underscores the critical demand for focused mental health training in the workplace.
Despite these statistics, 7 out of 10 senior-level employees lack training in this area, with smaller companies experiencing an even greater gap. "This poll shows that, without a doubt, today's workforce wants their employers to care about their mental health," said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. in the press release, "by talking about it, giving training on it, and providing support for it."
Despite the shift towards more mental health openness and awareness, there's still a gap in comfort levels when it comes to discussing mental health at work. A poll by Ipsos and the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that while three-quarters of U.S. employees believe it's appropriate to discuss mental health issues at work, and 77% are comfortable hearing about their coworkers' mental health concerns, only 58% feel comfortable sharing their own.
There is a gap between the general acceptance of discussing mental health and the personal comfort in doing so. A critical starting point for employers is to train managers, as most employees see their employers as responsible for fostering a comfortable environment for discussing mental health.
Leaders need to know their impact. According to a study by the Workforce Institute @UKG, Managers have just as much of an impact on the mental health of their employees as that of their spouses (both 69%) — and even more of an impact than an employee's doctor (51%) or therapist (41%).
“More than a decade ago, when I had to take a leave of absence due to generalized anxiety disorder and depression, I thought my career was over. I was struggling — drowning in shame, self-stigma, and fear of professional repercussions as I did my best to hide what was happening. What would have given me hope was knowing other leaders had successfully navigated mental health challenges.”
While stories like this one and those shared here offer a glimpse into the diverse experiences with mental health in the workplace, they represent just the tip of the iceberg. A simple online search or scrolling through social media will reveal countless more narratives like these, each adding depth to our understanding of workplace mental health challenges. Yet, it's important to remember that these stories are only from those who choose to share. Countless others struggle silently, without the platform or confidence to make their voices heard.
For every individual who speaks out about their mental health struggles at work, many more remain silent. These unseen struggles underscore the pervasive nature of mental health challenges and the crucial need for supportive and understanding workplace environments.
On a global scale, the mental health crisis is becoming increasingly pronounced. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. This staggering figure doesn't just reflect the economic impact but also hints at the widespread nature of mental health issues affecting workers worldwide. With one in four people in the world affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, the call for comprehensive mental health support in the workplace has never been more urgent.
These realities make it clear that proactive mental health training and support systems are not just beneficial but non-negotiable. Programs like WeCARE™, which equip individuals to lean in and support their colleagues, are vital steps in the right direction. Such initiatives can help bridge the gap between recognizing mental health issues and taking effective action to address them, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Bridging the Gap with WeCARE™
WeCARE’s success lies in its targeted approach, providing practical tools and insights that participants can immediately apply.
For leaders looking to strengthen their organization's mental health framework, WeCARE offers a seamless integration process. It's structured to complement existing wellness initiatives as a crucial component of a comprehensive mental health strategy.
By implementing WeCARE, you're taking a significant step towards creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing and addressing mental health concerns. The program's design is focused on accessibility and ease of use, ensuring that it can be rolled out across teams with minimal disruption to daily operations.
WeCARE is not just a program but a strategic tool for leaders who recognize the importance of mental health in creating a healthy, productive workplace. Its proven effectiveness and straightforward deployment make it a valuable asset in your organization's mental health initiative.
Take Action
It's imperative that leaders and organizations recognize the importance of mental health training and create environments where all employees feel supported and valued. Normalizing mental health discussions and ensuring comprehensive support is a collective journey—one that requires empathy, understanding, and concerted action from everyone involved.
Explore the WeCARE eLearning program to learn how it can transform your workplace mental health strategy.
We’re here to help.
Leading your organization towards a mentally healthy and caring culture is a significant responsibility. Consider our WeCARE™ for Leaders workshop that lays a solid foundation, providing you with essential tools and insights to initiate this journey. The WeCARE eLearning lifetime subscription and “Supporting Mental Health” Microcredential are included with your registration.
We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your organization's challenges and needs. Together, we'll explore how we can further support you in this critical undertaking. Let us partner with you in creating an environment where everyone thrives.