Updated Dec 12, 2025

Creating a healthy workplace isn’t just good for morale. It’s essential for mental well-being.

How to talk about mental health at work, however, can be tricky for both employees and employers.

Poor working conditions, such as discrimination, excessive workloads, and job insecurity, can significantly harm employees’ mental health. In fact, an estimated 15% of working-age adults experience a mental health disorder.

Businesses worldwide lose 12 billion workdays annually due to depression and anxiety, costing about $1 trillion in lost productivity.

The good news? There are proven strategies to address mental health at work, reduce risks, and support employees effectively.

In this blog, we’ll unpack more about why mental health matters and show you how to talk about mental health at work in a way that fosters trust, breaks stigma, and builds a stronger, more resilient team.

Mental Health Facts for Business Owners to Keep in Mind

The negative impact of poor mental health can have long-lasting effects. It does not discriminate against any gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Unfortunately, mental health issues can develop anywhere, at any time, in anyone.

According to a 2021 American Psychological Association survey, almost 60% of employees expressed that they have dealt with the negative impacts of work-related stress. A whopping 87% of employees surveyed believe that actions from their employer would help improve their mental health.

Mental health problems, specifically depression, are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Some industries with the highest rates of depression or other mental health issues include construction, manufacturing, public transportation, real estate, social services, and legal services.

Although it affects many, the confusion around how to talk about mental health at work can leave many to feel alone.

If mental health problems are left ignored or untreated, there can be serious consequences, such as hospitalization, violence, or even suicide. 

It is statistically proven that prolonged or serious mental health challenges affect productivity. Employees with unresolved depression can experience a 35% reduction in productivity.

Mental illnesses can also cause issues with cognition. In fact, approximately 85-94% of clinical cases of depression result in cognitive impairment. 

Not only do these things affect employee work performance, but they affect people in their everyday lives. Considering workers spend a large portion of their time at their respective jobs, your work environment should be a safe space, filled with quality resources, for your team. 

Although the fight for mental health awareness has risen in recent years, there is still much to be done. The best way to combat issues like these is to take a proactive role of support. Management should be a resource your employees are comfortable going to with their issues. 

Tips for Business Leaders on How to Talk About Mental Health at Work

Education and Training

One of the greatest hurdles in how to talk about mental health at work is the lack of education and training available. There are countless resources available that business owners can take advantage of for the betterment of their employees. Education and training will give you and your employees the tools to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues. 

Foster a Healthy Company Culture

By enriching a welcoming, communicative company culture, you’re creating a safe space and a healthy environment for how to talk about mental health at work. There are a lot of ways you can do this—don’t be afraid to get creative!

For example, you could create and distribute a monthly newsletter solely for your employees. Include things like announcements, resources, conversation starters, and other relevant topics to encourage camaraderie and open communication amongst your team.

Hosting team-building activities and events is another great way to build trust and inspire communication. By encouraging your team members to participate in a thriving company culture, you are also combatting employee burnout.

Provide Mental Health Resources

In the day and age of the internet, we have access to countless helpful resources regarding mental health at our fingertips. Why not make use of this privilege to support your employees?

Consider providing things like self-assessment tools, free or subsidized clinical screenings for mental health concerns, health insurance discounts for mental health treatment, access to lifestyle coaching or counseling programs, mental health workshops or seminars, or even bringing in some cute therapy dogs to help with everyday office stress.

Regardless of what you choose to implement, it’s helpful to distribute informational materials about the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and available treatment options. This will ensure employees know how to recognize these issues and where to look for help.

Take a Hands-On Role

As a leader in your organization, people rely on you for sound decision-making that leads to peaceful and efficient resolutions. A great way to practice a more hands-on approach to mental wellness is taking an interest in getting to know your employees—beyond their job performance.

Unrealistic demands in the workplace can contribute to poor mental health, so it is important to make sure your employees are comfortable with their roles and tasks. Employers can show appreciation for goals met by team members. This is a great way to make everyone feel valued.

The movement to push mental wellness to the forefront of political debates and legislative change has made significant progress in recent years. However, it’s just as important for employers to take initiative in proactively providing education, training, and resources for their team members. Physical health is just as important as mental health, and both have a significant impact on well-being.

If you’re looking for ways to better support your employees and implement more comprehensive benefit solutions, schedule a benefits consultation with VensureHR today. We care about the health of your employees and the health of your business.