The stigma associated with mental health has improved greatly over the past 20 years. Sadly, there is still a stigma attached to the term "mental health,"and it impacts productivity, turnover rates, and employee well-being.
Due to the current stigma around mental health, employees do not want employers and colleagues to know about any behavioral health issues. Workers fear judgement, isolation, and ultimately losing their jobs after disclosing a mental health concern.
Mental health is just like physical health, as everyone deal with these concerns. Mental health can fluctuate from positivity, happiness, and contentment to anxiety, stress, or other struggles. The reality is 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year (Mental Health Foundation).
The reality highlights the importance of encouraging people to talk about any mental concerns openly and honestly, with people they trust. This is easier said than done because many professionals do not feel comfortable asking for help.
The U.S. Labor Force estimates that 30 million workers are dealing with a mental illness daily. In a survey, 80% of workers say stigma prevents them from seeking treatment (American Psychological Association). Untreated mental health conditions can have devastating effects on employees and employers. Lost wages, medical expenses, job turnover, reduced productivity, and absences have tremendous implications for workplace culture.
If you're an employee, check on your co-workers, share your mental health needs with supervisors, and ask for support. If you're an employer, it is essential to create a culture where mental health can be talked about openly, invest in mental health benefits, and communicate any resources available to employees.
With Recovery Club America, employees and family members have quick and easy access to mental health evaluations and therapies. Our clinicians, specialized programs, eLearning, coaches, and other resources get the outcomes employers want. For more information, call us at 833-883-9655 or email us at [email protected].
