How Are You, Really? 5 Essential Steps for Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Published Oct 22, 2024. Author: Audree Grubesic. Read time: 3 min.

Key facts

• Recent studies say 75% of employees report at least one symptom of a mental illness.
• Discussions around mental health at work have increased by 41% compared with 2019, according to Mind Share Partners (2021).
• The article centers on a conversation with Emily Rosado-Solomon and Amy Gilliland about workplace mental health.
• Amy Gilliland is President of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and leads 30,000 employees.
• GDIT launched the “How are you, really?” campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Emily Rosado-Solomon is an assistant professor and researcher at Babson College.
• She holds a PhD in Human Relations and Industrial Relations from Rutgers University.

Why mental health matters at work

The article says work can provide meaning, increase self-esteem, and support healing for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or burnout. It also says workplaces must prioritize employee health and wellness to support that outcome.

Five steps for leaders

1. Understand the difference between mental health and mental illness.

   Leaders should learn the distinction so they can recognize employee needs and respond with the right support.

2. Train leaders to be comfortable with hard conversations.

   Leaders should be able to talk openly about mental health, recognize burnout, and direct employees to appropriate resources.

3. Prioritize role clarification.

   Clear job descriptions can reduce stress and burnout. When employees know their responsibilities, they can communicate and perform more effectively.

4. Create employee resource groups.

   These groups can help reduce isolation and build community. The article gives examples such as veterans, women, and young professionals.

5. Offer benefits that make counseling accessible.

   Companies should cover counseling costs and provide flexible schedules so employees can attend therapy during work hours, in person or virtually.

Recognition

Emily Rosado-Solomon and Amy Gilliland were nominated for the 2024 Compassionate Leaders Circle Awards for their work in mental health advocacy.

Compassionate Leaders Circle contact details

Created from a post by Laurel Donnellan originally published at Forbes.com.