Mental health issues can no longer be taboo at work

Time lost with loved ones. Months of isolation. Blurred lines between the personal and professional. Burnout. Anxiety. These are just some of the feelings countless Americans have and are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, many of these stressors show up in our workplaces — but for the longest time, it was seen as taboo to discuss mental health at work.

After a year marked by a public health crisis, an economic downturn and racial injustice, employers are grappling with difficult questions:How do we bring our workforce back? How do we navigate vaccine mandates?And most importantly,how do we prioritize workplace mental health and wellness in a rapidly changing landscape?

With nearly half of employed Americans reporting feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the workday, and 41% of employed Americans report feeling burned out from their work, we know there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

As workplace leaders, we understand openly talking about mental health isn’t easy — in fact, it’s far from it. We understand the fear. We understand the stigma. We understand the hard questions.We know support from people managers and HR when we face a personal or professional crisis can make a difference, and cultivate an environment of trust, empathy, and understanding in our workplaces.

But overall, we understand that a business’ most important asset is its people, and the importance of turning our shared experiences into strength and connection. We recognize the value of starting the conversation, driving the right discussions, and we know the time to do so is now.

Beyond this, we know that shifting the narrative on mental health in the workplace will require business leaders to step up and share our own experiences with our employees. When it comes to mental health, everyone’s experiences are unique, therefore our solutions must be as well.

Business leaders can’t solve this overnight, but they can start by addressing mental health and wellness head on. Companies that put mental health at the top of their agenda often have increased retention, better morale, and higher productivity and engagement levels. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s a business imperative.

Additionally, change starts from the top. Leadership is in the best position to foster open, safe, and honest conversations on mental health within their organizations. Whether it’s Employee Assistance Programs or improved telehealth benefits, managers and employees must be given the proper tools and education to best serve their team’s mental health needs. If employees see that their leaders are supportive of mental health, they will be more likely to share their own experiences, access resources, and proactively seek help when needed.

As a result, business leaders are taking a more central role in supporting workers and their mental health, making a positive impact, building a culture of empathy and understanding, and tackling a stigma that has permeated the workplace for years.

While the COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-term impact on the mental and emotional well-being of all, the way our workplaces address mental health now will impact our country, the global community, and generations for years to come. This isn’t a quick fix, but together, we can ensure the workforce is equipped with the resources and support they need to navigate our new reality.