As mental health professionals, we know the impact mental well-being has on every aspect of life—including in the workplace. This October 10th, World Mental Health Day focuses on a theme that hits close to home: "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." While some businesses are still catching up on the importance of mental health, here at Tava, we see firsthand the positive impact of employers offering mental health benefits to their employees.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that poor mental health costs businesses globally a staggering $1 trillion every year in lost productivity. Yet, investing in workplace mental health programs can provide a 4:1 return on their investment—showing that care pays off not just for individuals but for organizations as a whole. A 2022 Deloitte survey revealed that 46% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials feel burnt out due to the intensity and demands of their work environments. Furthermore, 49% of millennials and 47% of Gen Zs who have taken time off for mental health reasons have felt the need to give a different reason for their absence, reflecting the enduring stigma around mental health in the workplace.
These statistics make it clear: workplaces need mental health support now more than ever. As a therapist, you work with clients through their most difficult times. You provide more than just a listening ear; you offer practical strategies that can transform how they cope with stress, burnout, or anxiety at work. For clients connected through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), the care you provide might be the first step toward helping them improve their mental well-being in their professional lives.
But your impact goes beyond individual sessions. You’re shaping how mental health is viewed in workplaces. By giving employees tools to manage stress and advocating for better mental health practices, you’re helping to create a healthier work environment for everyone.
So, how can we help our clients make workplaces better for mental health? Here are a few actionable strategies to guide your therapy sessions and workplace conversations:
In the hustle of supporting others, don’t overlook your own mental health. Therapists, like anyone else, can face workplace stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Make sure you’re practicing the same self-care principles you encourage in your clients. Whether it's through peer support, supervision, or carving out time for yourself, your well-being is essential to the incredible work you do.
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