How to Improve Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there's never been a more critical time to talk about mental well-being at work. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 19% of the respondents described their work environment as toxic, with 57% experiencing negative effects from work-related stress, including symptoms commonly linked to burnout, like emotional exhaustion.

These aren't just statistics: they represent real people, real struggles, and real opportunities for positive change.

In today's fast-paced work environment, addressing mental health isn't just a nice-to-have. The stigma of mental health is decreasing. As we begin to view mental health as just as important as any other kind of health, this means that addressing mental health is essential to creating thriving workplaces where people can bring their best selves.

Here’s how we can start changing the conversation.

The Reality Check: A Look at Mental Health in the Workplace

Let's face it: work can be stressful. Demanding deadlines, challenging team dynamics, and the ever-present pressure to perform can take a serious toll on our mental well-being. Since the pandemic, these challenges have only intensified, making it harder to keep work and personal life separate because of added remote work factors.

Burnout has reached epidemic proportions, with many employees reporting feelings of exhaustion, negativity, and reduced professional efficacy. The costs of poor mental health in the workplace are staggering: workplace mental health challenges lead to increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, and an estimated cost of $1 trillion in lost productivity annually.

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

Despite progress in recent years, many workplaces still treat mental health as a taboo topic. Employees often stay quiet for fear of being judged or even losing job opportunities, which only keeps them from getting the help they need.

To break the cycle, we need to normalize conversations about mental health. When leaders share their own struggles, it shows everyone that it’s okay to speak up. Creating this kind of supportive and safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing concerns without fear of negative consequences isn't just good for mental health; it drives innovation, problem-solving, and team cohesion. When people feel safe to be vulnerable, the entire organization benefits.

Common Stressors We All Face

So, what exactly makes the workplace such a tough environment for mental health?

• Heavy workloads & unrealistic expectations: Feeling like you have to be "always on" is exhausting. When there’s never enough time or the pressure to perform never lets up, stress builds, and so does the risk of burnout.
• Poor boundaries: If your workday constantly bleeds into your personal time, it becomes nearly impossible to recharge. Without clear limits, your job starts to take over your life, and your mental health suffers.
• Toxic work culture: Gossip, favoritism, or a lack of support can make every day feel like emotional combat. A negative culture doesn’t just hurt morale but also makes people dread coming to work.
• Remote work isolation: Working from home offers flexibility, but it can also cause people to feel lonely and disconnected. Without daily face-to-face interactions, it’s easy to feel like you’re struggling alone.
• Lack of recognition: Not feeling seen or appreciated for your efforts can be disheartening. Over time, the absence of positive feedback chips away at motivation and self-worth.
• Microaggressions or bias: These subtle (or not-so-subtle) behaviors can deeply impact mental well-being, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ employees.

So, What Can We Do?

Whether you're a leader, a teammate, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, understanding how to improve mental health in the workplace and raising awareness starts with small, intentional actions. 

Here are a few ways you can help create a healthier and more supportive work environment:

1. Implement supportive policies

Flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and reasonable accommodations can make a world of difference for employees’ mental health.

2. Offer Access to Support

Make it easy for your team to access therapy, coaching, or mental wellness tools. Digital platforms like TherapyCloud help connect people to licensed professionals, providing a convenient and confidential way to get the help they need. Bonus points if the company covers part or all of the cost!

3. Respect Boundaries

Encourage time off. Avoid sending late-night emails. Normalize breaks. It’s amazing what a healthy boundary can do for someone’s peace of mind.

4. Provide Training

Help managers recognize the signs of burnout or distress. Offer mental health first aid or DEI training so people know how to respond with empathy, not judgment.

5. Build Community

Create space for peer support, whether it’s an employee resource group, a mentorship program, or even a monthly virtual coffee chat. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference.

Essential Resources for Workplace Mental Health

It’s one thing to want to support employees’ mental health at work. It’s another to have the right tools and info to make it happen. The good news? You don’t have to start from scratch. 

Here are some trusted resources to guide you, whether you’re an employer trying to build a healthier culture or a worker looking for support for yourself.

• Mental Health America: Free resources to help you assess and improve mental health support. Includes articles, free screening tools, treatment options, and a workplace mental health learning hub. 
• Mind Share Partners: A nonprofit offering training, strategy, and research specifically designed to improve mental health culture at work.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Great for connecting with local support groups and finding resources related to workplace mental health awareness advocacy.
• Headspace: Offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) replacement, workshops, and clinical services for companies and employees, with science-backed guided meditations and stress-reduction practices.
• TherapyCloud: An all-in-one platform where you can connect with licensed therapists, explore wellness events, and access therapeutic content.

Let’s Start Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let's envision work environments where mental well-being is given the same priority as physical health. By working together, leaders and team members can create a culture that advocates for mental health awareness in the workplace. Whether it’s checking in with a colleague, pushing for better policies at work, or seeking support for yourself, every action matters.