What You’ll Learn
Not long ago, mental health challenges were something many of us felt we had to hide at work. If we were struggling, or a colleague was, the common reaction was to downplay or politely ignore it. But more and more companies are recognizing the importance of supporting employees’ mental health and treating it as exactly what it is—an essential part of health.
This welcome shift is making it a little easier for us to be our authentic selves at work. But supporting mental health—for you, your teammates, and your employees—isn’t always easy. How do you take care of your mental health while getting your job done? Start honest, productive conversations about mental health without overstepping? Cultivate a culture where stigma has no place? Help colleagues when you don’t know how to help? And what about making sure company policies offer all employees what they need?
Whether you’re an individual contributor, a manager, or a senior leader, this guide will help you create a workplace where people can be honest about how they’re really doing. You’ll learn how to:
- Talk openly about mental health at work
- Manage employees with different mental health challenges
- Approach a colleague who may be struggling
- Structure your days to support your mental health
- Build community with an employee resource group
- Understand how intersectionality affects mental health
- Respond to a panic attack at the office
- Ensure your company offers the benefits employees need
- Write a mental health policy that gives people tangible support
- Be an ally to your coworkers