Workplace Mental Health: Empowering Employers to Address Mental Health for a Healthier Workforce and Stronger Businesses

Background: A majority of employers acknowledge that workplace mental health must be a priority for the well-being of their workers and for the health of their business. According to an October 2022 survey by WTW, 88% of companies took measures to address employee mental health in the last year. This recent surge in employer action on workplace mental health is a recognition that employers have a responsibility to identify and reduce causes of workplace stress and burnout. The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust and Health shows almost 8 in 10 respondents expect their employer to play a meaningful role in making them as healthy as possible. The implications are clear – employers today must meaningfully invest in the mental health of their workforce

Program background: The Health Action Alliance (HAA) was founded in February 2021 by the CDC Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation, the Ad Council, Business Roundtable, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. HAA was created with the belief that good health is good business, and by working together with the public health system, the private sector can play an important role in promoting a healthy and productive workforce that is vital to the American economy. HAA supports business leaders with webinars, reports, tools, and other resources designed for the business community. The private sector members of HAA’s network employ more than 28 million people.

Evaluation Methods and Results: HAA continues to play an important role in communicating with employers nationwide on improving mental health in the workplace. Employers are responsible for creating psychologically safe work environments, establishing systems that reduce workplace stressors, improving access to care and fostering supportive relationships. Given the trust employees place in their employers, it is important for business leaders to create clear, consistent messaging to build a strong, resilient workforce.

Mental health conditions are common and treatable. Yet, 8 in 10 workers say shame and stigma prevent them from seeking the treatment and care they need.

Employers can combat stigma by creating a supportive workplace culture where employees are educated about mental wellness and encouraged to seek support if they are struggling.

Conclusions: In May 2022, HAA hosted their first Workplace Mental Health Action Summit, and released a series of resources including a Workplace Mental Health Playbook designed to offer business leaders practical and actionable advice for supporting mental health in the workplace

Implications for research and/or practice: This year, HAA will host the Workplace Mental Health Action Summit 2.0: The Next Generation of Mental Health, a virtual summit bringing together business leaders across the country to discuss the influence of Gen Z in the workplace, business strategies for assessing mental health, and examples from companies that are taking action to address mental health for their employees. During the Summit, HAA will also be releasing new resources with practical tools to help employers build programs designed to address employee mental health.