Photo includes: Patrick Kennedy, Former U.S. Representative & founder of The Kennedy Forum, Jessica ... [+]
My first grade son is already learning about mental health and wellbeing—as evidenced by his recent (at home) schoolwork. If today’s employees had had this same early exposure, workplaces would be much more mentally healthy, authentic, and better equipped to provide support during these trying times.
Schoolwork by the author’s first-grade son. Translation of bottom row: body needs, safety needs, ... [+]
This year’s World Mental Health Day campaign for “increased investment in mental health” is more important than ever. It’s never too late to learn, whether you’re in first grade like my son or a CEO. Top business leaders and experts came together at Make A Difference Summit US in association with Mind Share Partners and shared their lessons, inspiration and advice about the future of workplace mental health.
Below are edited highlights.
Why Is It Important To Invest In Workplace Mental Health Now?
“Ensuring mental health and wellness isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business. Ignoring workplace mental health can have a dramatic impact on an organization—from its output to working relationships to overall culture. With greater awareness driven by education and open dialogue, we can create the foundation for a healthy workplace that benefits everyone.”
-Guru Gowrappan, CEO at Verizon Media Group
“Facebook has been investing in mental health for a number of years now because we understand how important it is to reduce stigma, increase access to quality mental health care, and foster peer-to-peer support.”
-Clare Miller, Mental Health Benefits Manager at Facebook
“The mental health impact of the pandemic will be felt long after we have a vaccine. Employers who ignore this will be doing a disservice to themselves and to their employees. Recent data by Milliman confirms that people with mental and physical health conditions drive up total health care costs.”
-Patrick Kennedy, Former U.S. Representative & founder of The Kennedy Forum
“Trends in productivity and health care plan costs have prompted even the most reluctant of employers to recognize the importance of tackling workplace mental health. The current situation only exacerbates impacts many employees may already have been experiencing. Early intervention is often the key to preventing deeper and longer-term mental hardship, and will preserve the capacity of employers to fulfill their mandates.”
-Nancy Chahwan, Chief Human Resources Officer Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat Canadian Government
How Has The Pandemic And National Conversation On Race Shifted Your Perspective Around Workplace Mental Health?
“We’re all going through this together, but at the same time, we have to remember each individual’s experience is uniquely their own. At YouTube, we’ve spent time thinking about how we can offer improved tools and resources to our communities of color. To do so, first and foremost, we listened. By partnering directly with groups like our ERG communities for their feedback and input on some of the unique challenges they and their families face, we were better equipped to problem solve and improve on our mental health support programming.”
-Jessica DiVento, Psy.D., YouTube Chief Mental Health Advisor
“2020 has demonstrated that one of the most important traits needed in the workplace right now is empathy. Employees across the board are experiencing heightened anxiety, but people of color especially continue to be traumatized as we witness the latest news about police brutality and racism. It is important that our heightened consciousness around these injustices continues with real action everywhere, including the workplace, so all of our colleagues feel seen, safe and included.”
-Solome Tibebu, Founder and CEO Cephalo Health
“My focus and purpose to normalize workplace mental health has intensified these past six months, with a specific focus on supporting our Black and People of Color communities. Our overall threshold of injustice and ignorance has been surpassed due to the current social, economic, and political landscape. It is time for all of us to continue to challenge this antiquated stigma surrounding this subject matter, before we have a mental health epidemic on our hands.”
- Bhavik Shah, UK Mental Health Lead at Capco
“Rocket Mortgage, and the Rock Family of Companies, has a long-standing commitment to our team members’ mental health and proactively took steps to make sure our team members have the flexibility they need and are keeping a healthy work/life balance while working from home. This includes our Inside Out mental health training for leaders, virtual counseling through Rock Health Collective, and our R&R program that provides additional time off and flexibility for team members.”
-Mike Malloy, Chief Amazement Officer at Rock Central
“The events of 2020 have increased the urgency around the need for stronger workplace mental health initiatives. To me, this is no longer a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when.” Employers must facilitate better programming, better discussion, and better access to culturally-competent care.”
-Patrick Kennedy, Former U.S. Representative & founder of The Kennedy Forum
“At Verizon Media, mental health has been a priority well before the pandemic. When it comes to race, the pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color at a time when we’re grappling with issues of social justice. Businesses must first help erase any stigma around mental health needs or concerns to support their employees and communities.”
-Guru Gowrappan, CEO at Verizon Media Group
What Do You See As The Future Of Workplace Mental Health In 2021?
“The key question here is “What is the responsibility of the employer in this space?” I think it's the duty of the employer to provide the resources employees need to be happy, healthy and productive. At YouTube, we take a three-pillared approach to supporting employee mental health: increase awareness through internal campaigns, reduce stigma and help employees understand the root causes of burnout. In difficult times, it’s okay to not be okay or feel like you aren’t operating at your best.”
-Jessica DiVento, Psy.D., YouTube Chief Mental Health Advisor
“All workplaces will have mental health programs to create awareness and provide employees resources. We will give mental health the same considerations that we give physical health. We will build healthier and thus stronger cultures and more balanced employees.”
-Kate Busby, Senior Marketing Manager at Best Buy
“We believe that the future of workplace mental health is a world where many companies are focused on eliminating barriers that keep people from getting support for mental health. At Facebook, we’re opening up the conversation about mental health to reduce stigma and increase awareness about mental health resources.”
-Clare Miller, Mental Health Benefits Manager at Facebook
