Fostering Open Communication About Mental Health: Examples From the Workplace
In our latest exploration of workplace wellness, we’ve gathered insights from seven professionals, including CEOs and VPs, on fostering open communication about mental health. From leaders modeling openness in struggle to incorporating well-being moments that foster team vulnerability, discover the transformative impact of these practices on creating a supportive environment.
- Leaders Model Openness in Struggle
- Mental Health Check-Ins Build Trust
- Monthly Check-Ins with Therapists Encourage Sharing
- Open Communication Enhances Productivity
- Scheduled Talks Lower Mental Health Stigma
- Foster Trust Through Varied Communication Options
- Well-Being Moments Foster Team Vulnerability
Leaders Model Openness in Struggle
In order for this kind of openness to really catch on, it needs to come from the top. One of the things we work on as a leadership team is being transparent about our feelings, our energy levels, and our struggles. Especially during stressful periods at work, we like to show our team that we’re struggling too, even as we’re asking them to work harder to meet deadlines and reach goals. By showing both sides of that coin, we help to normalize struggling—and pushing through struggling—at the same time.
Nick Valentino
VP of Market Operations, Bellhop
Mental Health Check-Ins Build Trust
At our workplace, we’ve introduced regular mental health check-ins during team meetings, where employees are encouraged to share how they’re feeling, whether they’re facing work-related stress, or just need support. These check-ins are voluntary, and employees can express concerns or ask for help without fear of judgment.
This openness has led to increased trust within teams and normalized conversations about mental health. Employees feel more comfortable asking for time off when needed or discussing workload adjustments to manage stress.
By fostering this open dialogue, we’ve created a culture where mental well-being is prioritized, and employees know their well-being matters to the organization. This has resulted in higher morale, reduced burnout, and stronger collaboration among team members.
Ana Alipat
Recruitment Team Lead, Dayjob Recruitment
Monthly Check-Ins with Therapists Encourage Sharing
My company organizes regular meetings and webinars focusing on mental health and well-being. Employees can participate in monthly mental health check-ins with a professional therapist. These are optional group sessions where anyone is welcome to share their experiences or just listen. I appreciate that the company brings in licensed mental health professionals, as it signals to everyone that it’s okay to talk about mental health and that it’s a top priority.
Moreover, special guests like yoga instructors, mindfulness coaches, and life coaches come in to lead webinars or workshops. Such casual and approachable sessions make it easier for people to engage and open up. I like that these events are not just about heavy topics like stress or burnout—though we cover that, too—but also focus on teaching skills for managing day-to-day mental wellness.
I actively participate in the aforementioned events and have noticed their massive impact on open communication about mental health. People feel more comfortable being vulnerable, whether it’s admitting they need a mental health day or just saying they’re struggling with workload stress. This transparency creates a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you feel you’re not alone. I think it has built a stronger sense of trust within our team and made us understand each other’s challenges more.
Agata Szczepanek
Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer
Open Communication Enhances Productivity
We encourage our team to speak up when they are stressed or need time off for mental health. Oftentimes, simply having that space to communicate is all that they need to feel better. This type of work environment has made us so much more productive.
Mike Veny
CEO & Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, Mike Veny, Inc.
Scheduled Talks Lower Mental Health Stigma
One good approach we use in my company to promote honest communication about mental health is to include mental health talks in our frequent team meetings. This was initially a recommendation from a coworker who believed that scheduling a specific time to discuss mental health would help to lower stigma and enable more regularity in these discussions.
I recall a conference where a participant shared their struggles balancing their job and personal life, sparking a broader discussion on stress management. This open sharing not only gave the person support but also inspired others to express worries and experiences. Finding out how many of us were coping with similar problems opened our eyes.
These conversations have had a marked influence. Their encouragement of a sense of camaraderie and understanding within the team helps staff members ask for help without thinking about consequences.
Silvia Angeloro
Executive Coach, Resume Mentor
Foster Trust Through Varied Communication Options
My objectives with respect to communication about mental health are to foster trust, demonstrate compassion, and eliminate any barriers to employees’ comfort with advocating for their needs. The simplest way I’ve found to go about it is to encourage employees to communicate whatever their struggles or needs are, in as little or as much detail as they prefer.
For some people, in some situations, they may need to ask for a day off or to have a project reassigned with no questions asked. Others may be looking for someone to hear them out about what’s on their mind.
The key is to make people in either scenario equally comfortable, not feeling like they have to explain themselves in a situation when they’re already overwhelmed, but also not feeling as though nobody is interested in hearing what they have to say. In my experience, this leads to more proactive communication, the ability to surface solutions more quickly, and less risk of burnout.
Ross Romano
Founder & CEO, September Strategies
Well-Being Moments Foster Team Vulnerability
At the beginning of every meeting, we do a well-being moment, and mental health is sometimes the topic. Not only are we encouraged to talk about tips for improving mental health, but also about the specific impacts on us individually from tending to our mental health. The openness has led to the team being able to share where they’re at mentally when showing up to work and what external factors may have had an impact. The collaboration and overall culture of the team have benefited from the vulnerability that everyone feels empowered to display.
Emily Cornell
Corporate Communications Manager, Arcadis
Submit Your Answer
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