Mental Health Stigma at Work: Why HR Has a Role in Promoting Wellness, Support & Compliance

Recorded May 10, 2023. MODERATOR - Glenn Liebman -CEO, Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) PANELISTS Ashley Dugger - Associate Dean and Director of HR Management and Organizational Psychology Programs, Western Governors University Alexandra Howell - Partner, Potomac Law Group; Adjunct Professor, Albany Law School Nearly one in five adults in the United States are living with a mental health disorder and more than 70% have experienced at least one symptom of stress, including feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Mental health doesn’t just affect quality of life. The global economy loses around $1 trillion in productivity each year due to employee depression and anxiety. Poor mental health and stress can affect performance, engagement, and communication on the job. Despite the statistics, some employers struggle to promote mental health and support recovery. HR professionals and business leaders can help close the gap. This conversation will offer strategies to increase understanding around mental health, reduce stigma, identify resources, and articulate clear policies regarding mental health in the workplace to improve employee overall wellbeing, performance and retention. The session will also include advice on navigating personal privacy and other legal risks that may come up. PANELISTS WILL DISCUSS: Why mental health matters to employers and employees How to start building a workplace culture in which conversations about mental health are more commonplace and collaborative Barriers to employee wellness and how to overcome them Best practices and pitfalls to consider when creating organizational policies The obligations — both legal and moral — that employers have to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with mental illness The potential legal risks and issues associated with building an employee mental health program Panelists will also provide key resources that HR pros can use to dive deeper into topics covered.