Stressors in the workplace can have a profound impact on mental health. The Deloitte Mental Health 2022 Report revealed that more than 80% of respondents experienced at least one adverse symptom.

While these figures are alarming, business organizations have stepped up to provide employees with the support they need. Seven in 10 workers believe their employer is more concerned about employee mental health now than in the past, according to the results of APA’s 2022 Work and Well-being Survey.

However, research also reveals that 55% of US employees haven’t taken advantage of available resources. To bridge this gap, employers should create a culture that promotes help-seeking behavior where employees are encouraged to seek help for any issues they may be experiencing.

The Role of Leaders

Leaders play an essential role in creating a culture of help-seeking behavior. It is their responsibility to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when seeking help and to encourage them to do so.

Providing a wide range of mental and physical health resources isn’t enough if employees don’t feel comfortable reaching out. Leaders should ensure that their organization’s culture encourages help-seeking behavior and that mental health issues are openly discussed without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Leaders should “lead” from the front, be vocal about the importance of mental and physical health demonstrate their commitment by seeking help themselves. This will set an example for other employees and enable them to seek help without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

Creating Grassroots “Mini Cultures”

Creating grassroots “mini-cultures” or groups can imbue a sense of community and support among employees. These mini-cultures allow employees to discuss and share their experiences with health issues in a non-judgmental environment. They also provide a platform to seek help from their peers. By creating a space for these critical conversations, organizations can normalize help-seeking behavior and start to chip away at the stigma around mental and physical health. When employees see that their peers are actively seeking help and engaging in open conversations about mental health, they, too, may become more likely to access resources for themselves.

Provide Industry-Relevant and Culturally Competent Mental Health Support

Since they don’t have the expertise on staff, many organizations have no option but to outsource resources. This can be problematic if the vendor isn’t aware of cultural competence or how to provide resources relevant and tailored to the specific industry.

While finding the “perfect” provider may be difficult, it helps if employers provide vendors with industry-specific resources and culturally competent information. Providing personalized details of what helps or hinders employees in their specific industry can help vendors provide better resources and support.

Communicating Effectively

Organizations must ensure that employees are aware of the resources available.

Employers should use a variety of communication channels to get the message out, including email, posters, intranet, newsletters, and staff meetings. Each communication channel should be tailored to the different demographic groups in the company.

Providing Multiple Types of Mental Health Resources

Both high-tech and low-tech approaches work best.

High-tech resources include online counseling, mental and physical health apps, and remote therapy. For example, free access to meditation and mindfulness apps can help employees manage stress and anxiety.

Low-tech resources can include in-person therapy, support groups, peer-to-peer mentoring programs, and workshops. For example, as part of the peer support groups, organizations could implement strategies to allow employees to request additional support from their peers.

Mental health is a critical issue that should be addressed in the workplace, but employees need to feel comfortable seeking help. By providing the right resources, creating grassroots “mini-cultures,” and providing culturally competent support, employers can help employees feel comfortable accessing the resources they need.

For more Employee Benefits information, contact INSURICA today.

Copyright © 2023 Smarts Publishing. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

Stay Updated

Subscribe to the INSURICA blog and receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Related Blogs

Enhancing School Security: Practical Strategies for Safer Campuses

June 17th, 2025|Blog, Education|

Enhancing school security is one of the most pressing responsibilities for education leaders today. As school campuses evolve, so too must the systems that protect them. For administrators, safety professionals, and district decision-makers, creating a secure learning environment means taking a proactive, layered approach that includes physical security, training, technology, and community involvement.

5 Common Cybersecurity Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

June 16th, 2025|Blog, Risk Management, Trending|

All organizations, regardless of their size or industry, are at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. These malicious actors can conduct cyberattacks, leading to significant financial, operational and reputational damage that can be difficult or impossible to recover from. Fortunately, solid cyber hygiene practices can reduce the likelihood of data breaches and other cyber incidents from occurring, and many of these practices are relatively low-cost and easy to implement.

Insurance Coverage Basics For Boatowners

June 15th, 2025|Blog, Personal Insurance|

A small boat, such as a canoe or other un-motorized boat, is typically covered under the personal property portion of your homeowners insurance policy. If you own a larger, faster boat, you'll need a separate boatowners insurance policy. A typical boatowners insurance policy is designed to protect your boat, motor, equipment, and passengers. It affords similar coverages to those you typically have for your car including:

Go to Top