Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024 - 50

PERSPECTIVES
CULTIVATING MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY:
EMPOWERING THE WORKPLACE THROUGH
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
BY DR. EMILEY HEDBERG
In today's dynamic work environment,
the importance of mental health in
the workplace has never been more
pronounced. Employees encounter
many stressors, from relentless
deadlines to navigating complex
interpersonal relationships, all of which
can take a toll on their mental health.
It has become increasingly evident to
employers that mental health is not just
a peripheral concern, it is a top priority
of their workforce.
The findings from the APA's 2023 Work
in America Survey show that 92% of
workers
insist that an organization's
commitment to their emotional and
psychological well-being is important
to them. Rates of loneliness, stress and
burnout are on the rise, with 76% of U.S.
workers reporting at least one symptom
of a mental health condition.
Amidst
these
challenges
lies
an
opportunity for employers to enact
proactive measures that champion
mental health and cultivate
psychologically thriving workplaces.
Embracing a comprehensive approach
to learning and development (L&D) is not
just about checking the box, it's about
investing in mental health education,
supportive structures and initiatives to
decrease stigma. By investing in these
areas, organizations can foster a sense
of belonging and connection to create
a culture that supports the holistic wellbeing
of employees.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
The term mental health may conjure
images of mental
health disorders
50
or severe illnesses. However,
it's essential to recognize that
mental health encompasses much
more than that. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, mental health refers to
a person's emotional, psychological
and social
well-being - a holistic
framework that influences feelings,
mindset and actions.
Mental health is not just about
diagnosable conditions and symptoms;
it's a spectrum of experiences that
includes everything from everyday
stressors to grief and burnout.
Acknowledging the full spectrum of
experiences can challenge barriers and
reduce stigma. Mental health is more
than the absence of conditions: It is
also about maintaining well-being and
neglecting mental health can hinder
the ability to reach one's full potential,
personally and professionally.
MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY
One approach to supporting mental
health in the workplace is through
improving mental health literacy.
Initially understood as equipping
individuals with the knowledge, skills
and resources necessary to identify
and address mental health challenges
before they escalate, it now also
includes strategies for obtaining and
maintaining good mental health. This
approach not only promotes awareness
but also empowers individuals to
cultivate healthy coping mechanisms
and build a foundation for long-term
mental wellness.
L&D'S ROLE
L&D professionals play a crucial role
in enhancing mental health in the
workplace by developing tailored
programs and resources. These
initiatives empower employees and
leaders to recognize signs of mental
distress, access support resources and
promote help-seeking behaviors. By
collaborating with human resources
(HR) and organizational leaders, L&D
can integrate mental health components
into existing training programs, including
onboarding, leadership development
and ongoing professional development
courses. This ensures mental health
literacy is ingrained in organizational
culture, prioritizing employee well-being
throughout the employee lifecycle.
LEADERS SET THE TONE FOR
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
AND OPEN DIALOGUE
AROUND MENTAL HEALTH.

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,others%2C%20and%20make%20healthy%20choices.&text=Mental%20health%20is%20important%20at,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,others%2C%20and%20make%20healthy%20choices.&text=Mental%20health%20is%20important%20at,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,others%2C%20and%20make%20healthy%20choices.&text=Mental%20health%20is%20important%20at,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being

Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024