Mental Health and the Workplace

According to national surveys - 76% of American workers have reported to have had a symptom of a mental condition.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in mental health conditions within the workplace as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General. Among those who have reported to suffer from symptoms of mental health conditions, approximately 51% of young professionals were found to have screen positive for depression or anxiety. Targeting this issue is crucial as a healthy workforce is a foundation for a healthy community.

So what are the next steps? Focusing on equity and the voice of employees, the Surgeon General developed a framework to highlight well-being in the workplace, also known as the Five Essentials:

1. Protection from Harm
2. Opportunity for Growth
3. Connection and Community
4. Mattering at work
5. Work-Life Harmony

These Five Essentials are made up of several key components to ensure worker mental health and well-being.

Protection from Harm

Workers feeling both physically and psychologically safe

Adequately rested

Mental health normalized and supported

Opportunity for Growth

Quality training and mentoring

Fostering clear pathways for career advancement

Providing clear guidance and constructive feedback

Connection and Community

Feeling of belonging and inclusion

Developing trusted relationships

Fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging teamwork

Mattering at Work

Better living wage to prevent financial stress

Gratitude and recognition

Working towards a common goal

Work-Life Harmony

Allowing more autonomy over work for increased productivity

Schedules made more flexible and predictable

More paid leave

While this framework is applicable to the general workplace, many young professionals look for more support. 82% in a study from the Mary Christie Institute indicated that they are willing to engage in mental health initiatives or programs if offered. Some ideas that were suggested included mental health days, offering resources to find mental health care, free mental health support groups, and mental health events.

Interested in a more in-depth conversation about mental health and the workplace? Visit our coalition meeting recordings and view our latest meeting here!