Reducing Mental Health Stigma Through Workplace Efforts

Imagine going into your workplace and having space to process and effectively manage any mental health challenges you might encounter. How would the world look different to you?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a time to reflect on the deeper understanding of this growing global health concern. Given the great deal of time we spend at work, workplaces have a unique opportunity to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and support inclusive workplaces that promote belonging and wellness. In return, they will receive a committed, innovative and energized workforce.?

Let’s take a look at a few business and social benefits that come from workplaces supporting mental wellbeing:?

• Improved economic outcomes: The World Health Organization estimates that for every $1 invested in treating common mental health conditions, there is a return of $5 in improved health and productivity.?
• Reduced healthcare costs: The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that mental health conditions cost the US economy $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year. Workplaces can help reduce these costs by promoting early intervention.
• Breaking the stigma: Mental health stigma is a significant barrier to accessing treatment, but when workplaces shift to recognizing, embracing and developing the wellbeing of their employees, they can be a part of the larger solution to reduce unnecessary shame surrounding mental health and create inclusive societies.?

The first step for any business is to create a company culture of openness and acceptance, encouraging conversations and providing learning opportunities to employees. One way to achieve this is by applying the science of Behavior Analysis, a modality that seeks to understand the relationship between human behavior and the surrounding environment. Its evidence-based techniques allow your employees to identify their personal values around inclusion and wellbeing— a solid foundation that, when tied into the mission and vision of the company, creates a stronger sense of belonging and fosters great community. As a bonus, such programs provide a perfect buffer against the isolation and loneliness that often aggravate mental health concerns! Organization-wide systems that are built on clear expectations, performance feedback and positive reinforcement foster value and trust within the workplace.??

As organizations begin implementing policies and changes that include these perspectives, ongoing training and education can be critical to get employee buy in. Professionals (such as Behavior Pivot Consulting) can help to support and promote these concepts within your workforce.?

By removing stigma surrounding mental illness, employers can create more positive, productive, and compassionate workplace environments that help their bottom line while building a flourishing world. Let’s pivot towards this inclusive world, together.

Author Bio

Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For over a decade, Jagmeet has led organizational leaders to create safe and dynamic workplaces that drive innovation and business results. She is invested in creating healthy workplaces that contribute to a flourishing society.?

Jagmeet uses the science of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to promote workplace wellbeing and to advance individuals, organizations and society through connection, education and behavior science.?

Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, works with employees and employers to create thriving, neuro-inclusive communities within the workplace.?

About Behavior Pivot Consulting?

At Behavior Pivot Consulting, we partner with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental wellbeing.?

Our approach uses evidence-based methods from the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to help individuals and organizations build on strength-based skills to increase productivity, engagement and achievement within the workplace.

Schedule a time to connect by emailing [email protected] or visit? https://www.behaviorpivot.com/?