Raise awareness of existing resources

This Mental Health Awareness Month marks the Department of Labor’s launch of the Mental Health at Work initiative, incl A new webpage promoting various tools and resources. This initiative will promote wellness in the workforce by reducing stigma and raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace; promoting best practices and compliance by employers; and promoting equity in, and access to, mental health, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable population groups.

There are two aspects related to mental health in the workplace that are important to this initiative. The first is to focus on creating positive work environments, where workers’ needs are met. High-quality jobs that provide safe workplaces, fair wages, paid time off, benefits and opportunities for all team members to be heard form the foundation for employee mental health. The second is to support employees and colleagues who need care for a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Treating mental health care like other medical conditions, in accordance with the Mental Health Parity Act, helps create a culture in which the spirit of supporting the health needs of all workers thrives. Equity must be woven into these efforts, including how mental health disorders and substance use are addressed in the workplace, and into understanding how lived experiences can influence the mental health and treatment needs of different groups.

Mental health needs are very common. One in five American adults suffers from mental illness each year. According to the latest Federal dataMore than 46 million people in America have suffered from a substance use disorder in the previous year. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder, as well as workplace stress and burnout. in the annual ADP people at work In the survey, nearly half of the workers said their work is suffering because of their poor mental health. However, there can be significant stigma around mental illness, including in the workplace, and insufficient access to timely treatment.

Employers play the most important role in creating environments where workers are as comfortable seeking support for mental health conditions as they are with all other illnesses. This is particularly important in industries where mental health conditions and substance abuse are common, such as construction and mining.

Employment is recognized as a major social determinant of health. Job quality is an important factor in a person’s mental health and ability to access treatment for mental health conditions. While workplace stress and poor quality of work can negatively impact workers’ mental health, workplaces can also provide important links to resources, support, accommodations, and benefits designed to improve our mental health and facilitate equitable access to treatment.

Read about the resources available now to improve overall mental health in the workplace, such as the new OSHA Workplace stress toolsR. Share the link to dol.gov/mentalhealth To spread the message to friends, colleagues and through professional networks. Starting this month, let awareness lead to actions that bring about lasting positive changes to workplace culture nationwide.

original content by Work section. This information is provided on the basis that Payroll Partners does not provide legal, human or other professional advice or services. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an attorney, HR consultant or other professional.