CHAPTER 25
Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health at Work
by Diana O’Brien and Jen Fisher
Experts tell us that one in four adults will struggle with a mental health issue during their lifetime.1 At work, those suffering—from clinical conditions or more minor ones—often hide it for fear that they may face discrimination from peers or even bosses. These stigmas can and must be overcome. But it takes more than policies set at the top. It also requires empathetic action from managers on the ground.
We count ourselves among those who have wrestled with mental health challenges. One morning a few years ago, in the midst of a successful year, Jen couldn’t get out of bed. As a driven professional, she had ignored all the warning signs that she was experiencing ...
Get HBR Guide to Being a Great Boss now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
