Despite growing conversations about mental health, a significant number of employees are still hesitant to discuss their mental health issues at work. While access to mental health resources has expanded, a new report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Ipsos reveals a troubling gap between what is offered and what employees are actually comfortable using. The findings underscore that stigma, lack of education, and confusion about available resources continue to keep employees from seeking the help they need.
Stigma and Its Impact on Mental Health Conversations
One of the most significant barriers preventing employees from using mental health resources is stigma. According to the NAMI-Ipsos survey, while 81% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health with a close friend at work, only 57% are willing to share their struggles with their manager. When it comes to HR or senior leadership, the numbers drop even further — 39% are comfortable with HR, and only 28% would speak to senior management.
These figures demonstrate the ongoing fear of judgment in the workplace. Many employees worry about appearing weak or unfit for their roles and fear that discussing their mental health might harm their career. This reluctance to open up leaves many employees to navigate mental health challenges alone, despite the availability of support.
As Daniel H. Gillison Jr., NAMI CEO, explained in a press release, “These results show a high demand for mental health education and resources, with mental health challenges emerging across the workforce. But gaps persist — in knowledge, access, and comfort — that need to be addressed, not just for the benefit of the employees, but for these organizations as a whole.”
Navigating Confusion Around Mental Health Benefits
Another key challenge is the confusion employees face when it comes to accessing their mental health benefits. The survey revealed that 53% of employees do not know how to utilize their employer-provided mental health services, and 26% are unsure whether their employer even offers these benefits.
Employers must address this lack of clarity by providing precise and consistent communication about the mental health resources available to employees. Ensuring that employees understand how to access these resources is critical for increasing utilization and supporting their well-being.
The Demand for Mental Health Education and Training
Employees are not just seeking access to resources — they are also requesting more training on mental health topics. “Employees said that they’re most interested in learning about: Employer health insurance benefits for mental health treatment (84%), stress or burnout management (82%), identifying and responding to a mental health crisis (81%), mental health conditions, including signs or symptoms (80%), other employer resources to support mental health (79%), and communicating with coworkers (77%).”
Providing this training not only helps employees navigate their own mental health challenges but also creates a culture of support where colleagues feel comfortable offering help. 57% of those who received mental health training reported feeling more comfortable discussing mental health with coworkers.
Creating an Open, Supportive Work Environment
Fostering a supportive work environment requires more than just offering mental health benefits. It’s about creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed without fear of judgment. Leadership plays a key role in setting the tone for this culture. When leaders model openness and offer support, employees are more likely to feel comfortable utilizing available resources and discussing their challenges.
What Employers Can Do to Close the Gap
- Improve Communication About Mental Health Benefits: Regularly inform employees about the mental health resources available and how to access them.
- Invest in Mental Health Training: Offer training on burnout, stress management, and mental health crisis response to better equip employees to handle their own well-being and support others.
- Create an Open and Supportive Environment: Employers should create a stigma-free workplace where employees openly discuss mental health, with leadership setting the example for openness and support.
- Offer Flexibility and Additional Support: Provide flexible work options and ensure employees know how to access additional resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs).
The NAMI-Ipsos poll highlights a crucial disconnect between the mental health resources offered by employers and employees’ willingness to utilize them. As Darcy Gruttadaro, NAMI Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized, “It takes a commitment for companies to implement mental health education and establish mental health benefits. By doing so, organizations will see the individual and organizational impact of increased productivity, connection, and satisfaction amongst employees who are connected to resources.”
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