Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | LinkedIn
Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | LinkedIn
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, with the 2025 theme "Turn Awareness into Action." This initiative encourages individuals and communities to convert understanding into meaningful actions. The workplace is a critical area where this call can make a significant impact, as mental health conditions continue to affect both employees and organizational well-being.
Mental health conditions in the workplace encompass various psychological and emotional disorders that can hinder an employee's job performance. Common conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These issues can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, strained work relationships, and impaired decision-making abilities.
Legal protections such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect employees from discrimination based on mental health conditions and allow them to request reasonable accommodations. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job-protected leave for employees dealing with serious health conditions, including mental health issues.
Employers have responsibilities in creating supportive environments by encouraging open discussions about mental health and providing necessary resources. Reasonable accommodations might include adjusting work schedules or modifying job duties while maintaining confidentiality of disclosed information about an employee’s condition.
Resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer counseling services, while mental health training educates employees and managers on how to support affected colleagues. Access to professional help is also crucial for addressing these challenges effectively.
Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provide resources and toolkits aimed at raising awareness and advocating for improved mental health care. Addressing mental health conditions in the workplace is essential for fostering a healthy, productive environment.
By Linda Olejniczak, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner ASE.
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