Back

It’s Time To Embrace Mental Health Discussions In The Workplace. Here’s Why

05/15/2023

By Mark C. Perna

Living in a rapidly changing world filled with uncertainty takes a toll on all of us—especially when it comes to our mental health. We all know that when we don’t feel mentally strong, we’re not able to be our best selves, at home or at work. And if we don’t feel supported at work, we’re far more likely to quit a job in search of a more supportive atmosphere.

That helps explain the results of a recent Pew Research Center study that found that nearly 40% of employees want their employers to discuss mental health in the workplace. Members of the younger generations especially see this as a way companies can meaningfully support employees and help improve retention.

But the Pew study also showed a lack of trust between employees and their employers, since only one in five employees feel comfortable bringing up mental health concerns with their HR teams.

“There have been great strides in the last few years to destigmatize mental health conversations,” says Kayla Lebovits, founder and CEO of Bundle Benefits. “Unfortunately, this breakthrough has not been fully adopted in the workplace.”

While efforts have been made to support mental health by providing resources for external help, Lebovits says many people remain fearful that being honest about their mental wellbeing with an employer could be viewed as a vulnerability. This in turn might make them more susceptible to being laid off, less likely to receive a promotion or job opportunities or could negatively impact them in other ways.