This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. For over a decade, I’ve dedicated my career to mental health advocacy across our community. Despite our belief of being an innovative and civic-minded community, a majority of our institutions still subscribe to the belief that mental health is a personal responsibility rather than an organizational obligation to employees.
Most organizations are behind the curve in providing a work environment conducive to our mental health needs. In a recent Mental Health at Work report by Mindshare Partners, 76% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. We all feel it… but what are we doing about it? On average, US employees spend 60% of their lives in the workplace, yet 84% report workplace conditions contributing to at least one mental health challenge. We cannot ignore this reality. As leaders, we are being called to create cultures centered on connection, engagement and support.
In the 2022 Work and Well-Being report, 81% of US workers reported they will be looking for new workplaces that support mental health in the future. In California, the data portrays a more disconcerting reality. Our state is a top national leader in employee turnover. As one of the most expensive places to live in the US, our community members are experiencing staggering rates of unemployment, turnover and mental health crises. We are being called to listen and act.
As a non-profit leader, I believe in the power of social connection. At the Volunteer Center, we bring people together every day to make a difference in causes they care about. I witness the sense of belonging, connection and meaning our volunteers and employees experience when they’re engaged in the impactful work we do. But… I’ve also witnessed them experience anxiety, isolation and hopelessness when the work they are asked to do isn’t properly supported, funded, or staffed. That’s why we are pursuing a work/life balance initiative at the Volunteer Center – so we do good work for the community that doesn’t come at the cost of our staff.
What does it look like to work in an environment that values employee mental health?
As leaders, are we asking our employees how their mental health is?
Are we engaging our multi-generational workforces to learn about how they feel most supported, or are we creating stories based on our own generational experience?
Are we investing in adequate time off, benefits, living wages and reasonable productivity expectations?
I implore you to start normalizing mental health at work. Engaging your team in conversations about mental health tools, resources, supports and benefits is an action you can make today. We are in this together.
Shawn Peterson, MSML
Director of Impact and Programs
Shawn@scvolunteercenter.org
