Psychological Safety (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series)

6

Five Ways to 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 requires empathetic action from managers on the ground.

We count ourselves among those who have wrestled with mental health challenges. Consider this example from our own lives: 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 ...