60% of employees do not seek help due to shame or fear of repercussions.

Stigmatization in the workplace creates a vicious cycle: on the one hand, it worsens the situation for those who do not seek support, and on the other hand, it creates a blind spot for employers who are not able to properly identify employees in distress and the measures to be taken.

As a manager, Steven plays an important role when Louise experiences a panic attack. Managers may, however, face mental health issues of their own or feel helpless when trying to help employees who suffer from a mental health condition.

To reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace, here are five strategies:

1. Obtain feedback from your employees by conducting a survey and meeting with them individually;
2. Prepare a statement or a presentation that demystifies mental health;
3. Provide your managers with the training and resources they need to identify, prevent, and respond to mental health issues within their teams;
4. Organize workshops or group discussions to discuss how to adopt healthier practices at work;
5. Adjust work practices and programs offered to employees based on survey results or discussions.

In order to fight mental health stigma in the workplace, our conversations surrounding the issue need to change.