Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental Health Disorders and Stress Among Working Adults

Mental health disorders remain a significant health concern in the United States, with nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 18 or older reporting a mental illness in 2016. Additionally, over 70% of adults experience at least one stress-related symptom, such as headaches or anxiety.

Many individuals with mental health conditions also live with chronic physical illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Treating people with both mental and physical conditions costs up to three times more than treating individuals with only one condition. Integrating mental and physical healthcare can potentially save tens of billions of dollars annually.

With about 63% of the population actively engaged in the workforce, the workplace presents a unique opportunity to promote mental wellness. Effective workplace programs can identify those at risk, facilitate access to care, and provide stress management support.

The Impact of Mental Health Issues on Workplaces

Poor mental health can significantly affect:

• Job performance and productivity
• Engagement and motivation
• Communication and teamwork
• Physical functionality and daily capabilities

Mental health disorders, particularly depression, are strongly linked to higher rates of unemployment and workplace disability. Depression alone can:

• Reduce a person’s physical job capability by about 20%
• Diminish cognitive performance by roughly 35%
• Lead to the highest healthcare costs, even when controlling for other risk factors like smoking or obesity

Despite this, many individuals with moderate or severe depression do not receive adequate treatment.

Steps Employers Can Take

Employers can play a critical role in addressing mental health at work by creating a culture of wellness. Workplaces are well-positioned for this because they already have communication systems, social networks, and mechanisms to track outcomes.

Effective strategies include:

• Offering mental health self-assessments
• Providing access to screenings and referrals
• Including low-cost or no-cost coverage for counseling and medications
• Sharing information about symptoms and treatment options
• Hosting workshops on mindfulness, meditation, and stress relief
• Creating quiet zones for rest and decompression
• Training managers to recognize signs of stress or depression
• Involving employees in decisions that affect their work environment

Real-World Examples

Prudential Financial

• Surveys employees about workplace attitudes
• Promotes mental health awareness through executive storytelling

TiER1 Performance Solutions

• Focuses on six major mental health challenges
• Uses creative educational formats like infographics and videos

Beehive PR

• Offers a tech-free relaxation space
• Combines personal and professional growth strategies

Tripler Army Medical Center

• Offers resiliency training with interactive formats including yoga and role-play

Certified Angus Beef

• Provides access to an on-site psychologist
• Hosts sessions to teach stress management techniques

Houston Texans

• Provides comprehensive health insurance including behavioral care
• Extends wellness services to household members

What Different Groups Can Do

Health Providers:

• Screen for depression and anxiety
• Include behavioral health professionals in care teams

Researchers:

• Design tools to assess and evaluate workplace mental health initiatives
• Create recognition programs for businesses prioritizing mental well-being

Community Leaders & Businesses:

• Promote educational initiatives through public programs
• Increase access to wellness-promoting community infrastructure

Government Agencies:

• Offer toolkits for mental health promotion
• Gather and analyze wellness data
• Support outreach in underserved areas via community health workers

Employees:

• Participate in available wellness programs
• Share experiences to reduce stigma
• Practice self-care habits such as eating well, staying active, and sleeping sufficiently
• Engage in relaxation practices like meditation and mindfulness
• Seek support when needed and support peers

Glossary

Any Mental Illness: Defined as having a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder within the past year, excluding developmental or substance-related disorders. The level of impairment can range from mild to severe.

Mindfulness: A state of awareness in which individuals focus on the present moment without self-judgment, often practiced to improve emotional regulation and concentration.

Self-Management: A cooperative process involving educators and individuals with health conditions. It includes providing tools and strategies for better health decision-making, condition management, and healthier lifestyle choices.