Creating a More Supportive Workplace: Questions to Ask About Mental Health During Job Interviews
Imagine walking into a job interview where the conversation goes beyond your resume and touches on mental well-being. In this article, a therapist and a CEO share their thoughts on the one question they wish more employers would ask about mental health during job interviews. The first insight reveals the importance of asking candidates how they recharge after work, while the final insight focuses on creating a supportive work environment. Discover all six expert opinions to learn how these questions can foster a more supportive workplace atmosphere.
- Ask How Candidates Recharge After Work
- Inquire About Supportive Actions for Well-Being
- Discuss Stress Management Resources
- Ask About Ideal Work Environment
- Discuss Mental Health Care at Work
- Create a Supportive Work Environment
Ask How Candidates Recharge After Work
I wish more employers asked candidates how they recharge after a workday or during a busy week. Many of my clients in therapy feel drained after attending company events where they’re expected to socialize or network. While these events are often meant to foster connection, they can leave some employees feeling exhausted and detached, especially for those who recharge best with alone time or in smaller settings. Companies sometimes assume that these events universally boost morale, but not everyone experiences connection and recharging the same way—especially if they tend toward introversion or have a sensitive nervous system.
By simply asking prospective employees how they recharge or work best-whether independently, collaboratively, or even in flexible settings—employers can open the door to more individualized and supportive work cultures. This question shows sensitivity and also helps ensure that people’s unique needs for balance and energy regulation are considered. Supporting different styles of recharging ultimately helps people feel more grounded and capable of showing up authentically in their roles, benefiting both employee well-being and the company’s overall culture.
Julie Goldberg
Therapist, Third Nature Therapy
Inquire About Supportive Actions for Well-Being
I believe it’s essential to ask which supportive actions can help specialists maintain their mental well-being. This type of question serves a dual purpose: it gives insight into how, as a leader and company, you can foster a safe environment, and it reveals the candidate’s expectations, helping you both assess whether you’re a good fit. Regular mental well-being check-ins with current team members are just as important. For instance, I hold these check-ins during our weekly or monthly meetings. I find this approach helps us stay on track with any emerging challenges, allowing for proactive support.
Ann Kuss
CEO, Outstaff Your Team
Discuss Stress Management Resources
One question I wish more employers asked during job interviews is: “What kind of support or resources help you do your best work, especially when you are under a lot of stress?”
This question would be a way to open for the candidates to talk about how they manage stress, what helps them feel supported, and not pressure them to disclose personal mental health conditions. It shows that the employer cares about their well-being and is willing to accommodate or provide resources to help their employees thrive.
This would help open up the conversation such that mental health issues are no longer a taboo conversation but something employees easily seek when in need of support. It builds a culture in which everyone prioritizes well-being, leading to a productive and positive work environment where employees feel safe coming to work, bringing their whole selves with them.
Shebna N Osanmoh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare
Ask About Ideal Work Environment
I wish more employers asked, “What work environment helps you do your best while maintaining balance?” This question invites candidates to share their needs without putting them on the spot about mental health directly. It opens the door to understanding what supports their well-being, whether it’s flexible scheduling, clear communication, or access to wellness resources. Normalizing this conversation from the start helps build trust and signals that mental health is a priority, creating a foundation for a supportive and productive workplace.
Blake Beesley
Operations and Technology Manager, Pacific Plumbing Systems
Discuss Mental Health Care at Work
One question I wish more employers would ask during job interviews is, “How do you take care of mental health at work?” In my company, we think this is really important because it shows we care about our employees’ well-being. When we ask this question, it gives us a chance to talk about how we make a supportive work environment.
When candidates share their thoughts on mental health, we can learn about what they value and see if they fit into our company culture. This question can also lead to discussions about helpful resources we offer, like counseling services, flexible schedules, and wellness programs. By focusing on mental health during interviews, we show that we want our employees to feel happy and healthy, which helps everyone do their best work.
Dr. Carlos Todd
Mental Health Counselor, Mastering Anger
Create a Supportive Work Environment
One question I wish employers asked about mental health during job interviews is, “How can we create a supportive and uplifting work environment for you?” For most people, mental health challenges at work are typically related to working with colleagues rather than to do with the type of work you had to do. If a company is trying to create a positive work environment and asks questions related to this it shows that they want to ensure you enjoy working on the team.
Nicole Martins Ferreira
Product Marketing Manager, Huntr
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