Employers can reduce the stigma of behavioral healthcare offered at work. Potential barriers of accessing and utilizing mental health care include high financial costs, limited access, and concerns with stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Therefore, employer-sponsored behavioral health offerings should prioritize access, but also be integrated into a larger workplace culture of acceptance and empathy of mental health concerns and treatment.
At a company-wide level, employers should focus on normalizing and reducing stigma related to mental health diagnoses and treatment by providing mental health programming, educational tools and training.
Despite more individuals discussing and disclosing mental health concerns, many employees fear that their reputation, relationships, or job status could be jeopardized if they disclose their mental health struggles and/or seek care through work. Employers must do more than offer access to just any mental health care. To be effective, employees need comprehensive care tailored to their needs and lived experiences and a working environment that supports it. Senior leaders and managers should normalize the importance of getting mental healthcare and encourage employees to take advantage of the resources offered.
