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Does your workplace value your mental health?
It might be a silly question but I'm genuinely curious about people's prospect. This is all because you're replaceable once you're 6 ft under so why not take care of your mental health?
24 answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
It depends on the workplace. Some workplaces are more understanding and accommodating of mental health issues, while other workplaces may be less understanding or even hostile towards mental health issues.
Mental health is often viewed as a weakness, and many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their mental health issues with their employers. This can lead to employees feeling ostracized or unsupported by their employers, which can in turn make the employee's mental health worse.
However, there are some workplaces that are beginning to see the value of employee mental health, and are beginning to create policies and programs that support employee mental health. These workplaces recognize that healthy employees are more productive employees, and that it's important to have a supportive environment where employees can feel vulnerable.
For example, Google has worked very hard to create a "home like" environment that focuses strongly on mental health and employee happiness.
One tip I have found over the years, is that companies that are "always hiring" are "always firing" as well, meaning they have a high turnover. This is often a sign of a toxic work environment.
Mental health is often viewed as a weakness, and many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their mental health issues with their employers. This can lead to employees feeling ostracized or unsupported by their employers, which can in turn make the employee's mental health worse.
However, there are some workplaces that are beginning to see the value of employee mental health, and are beginning to create policies and programs that support employee mental health. These workplaces recognize that healthy employees are more productive employees, and that it's important to have a supportive environment where employees can feel vulnerable.
For example, Google has worked very hard to create a "home like" environment that focuses strongly on mental health and employee happiness.
One tip I have found over the years, is that companies that are "always hiring" are "always firing" as well, meaning they have a high turnover. This is often a sign of a toxic work environment.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Samuel
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
86
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Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
This is such a great question! I've had jobs in the past that did not but with my current role, I would say yes. A company can say that they value mental health but only their actions will truly show it. At my current company, I see that it is being valued through our unlimited vacation policy, the flexibility within the day to day work schedule, and the way I am encouraged to take mental health days when I need them. Because of these things and the support from my colleagues, I feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing when I'm having a hard time or letting people know that I'm taking a few hours off for therapy. Mental health is super important to me so it's important that I work with an organization that values it as well.
As I mentioned, I have worked at places that did not value mental health and they never explicitly came out and said it but I could tell through their actions and the way the work manifested in me. For instance, I worked very long hours with very few days off which led to burnout, stress, and other issues. The your work should never be causing more mental health issues!
As I mentioned, I have worked at places that did not value mental health and they never explicitly came out and said it but I could tell through their actions and the way the work manifested in me. For instance, I worked very long hours with very few days off which led to burnout, stress, and other issues. The your work should never be causing more mental health issues!
Thank you so much, Gurpreet!
Samuel
Małgorzata Pałach-Rydzy
Content management, Communication
3
Answers
Updated
Małgorzata’s Answer
Hello, I work for Microsoft, and I can tell that mental health is an important topic internally. Our company takes it seriously by allowing various leave types, offering mental-health related benefits and addressing any concerns by HR.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Samuel
Updated
Molly’s Answer
I believe this question should be answered based on your employer. I am an intern for Cisco Systems and I can tell you that Cisco cares about the physical and mental health of all of their employees.
My advice would be to really look into the company you are applying for to learn if their values align with your own. I have come to realize that working for a company that values its employees and cares about their wellbeing can make or break a job. Since I have started my internship I have learned more about the company and what its values are and was completely shocked to learn that a lot of the companies values matched my own.
I would recommend you really try to learn what you value as a person and an employee and try to find a company that aligns with those beliefs. There are so many companies that value their employees and their mental health, you just need to be persistent about finding them.
My advice would be to really look into the company you are applying for to learn if their values align with your own. I have come to realize that working for a company that values its employees and cares about their wellbeing can make or break a job. Since I have started my internship I have learned more about the company and what its values are and was completely shocked to learn that a lot of the companies values matched my own.
I would recommend you really try to learn what you value as a person and an employee and try to find a company that aligns with those beliefs. There are so many companies that value their employees and their mental health, you just need to be persistent about finding them.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Samuel
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
I personally do not think my job values my mental health or health in general. It is up to me to take care of myself. Sometimes I can’t get days off because we are short staffed. The company definitely values the dollar over staff and sometimes patients. For instance, it is a policy to wait 10 days after being sick with COVID, unless the unit is short staffed… then staff can return after 5 days. Sometimes I work 15 or more hours a day. I wish my job would care more about the staff but they do not.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Samuel
Updated
Bernadette’s Answer
Actually, it is very mature to ask a question about mental health. A healthy mind = a healthy body.
Over the years I have noticed that employers, especially bigger companies, started to pay attention and have taken constructive steps toward ensuring their employees have access to tools that help them maintain healthy lives. The key is to learn what is offered and become disciplined in making sure we take advantage of the options we have access to. It is important to really get to know you, your triggers, your high and low points, and balance that you need in your life to feel healthy. With that awareness, you will be able to care for yourself.
Over the years I have noticed that employers, especially bigger companies, started to pay attention and have taken constructive steps toward ensuring their employees have access to tools that help them maintain healthy lives. The key is to learn what is offered and become disciplined in making sure we take advantage of the options we have access to. It is important to really get to know you, your triggers, your high and low points, and balance that you need in your life to feel healthy. With that awareness, you will be able to care for yourself.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Samuel
Updated
Robert’s Answer
A lot of workspaces do value mental health! My company provides free therapy for those in need. It is an application called "Vida". Workspaces must value their employees first if they want their company to ultimately succeed. This is why companies implement other activities or events for employees to relax and have fun. It's not all about work. As an intern at Cisco, we have an Intern week, where we are able to meet and connect with Interns from all over the Bay Area. This isn't just for work purposes, but it's also to just get our minds off work and take care of ourselves ultimately.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Samuel
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Find a job that has these values already in place in their work environment. Try your best to avoid jobs that will not value you or your time. Most company cultures will reveal themselves to actually care about mental health and strive to pursue positive help for those suffering, and others will pat you on the back and say "keep up the good work." Ask about how a company handles mental health during the interview. Ask them specifics like "When I need an mental health day does that count as a paid Occasional Absence, is it unpaid time off, or do I need to burn a vacation day for it?" And see how they respond. Most employers will reveal themselves and their way of thinking when asked a direct question like this, for better or for worse.
The biggest thing to remember is that you are more important than a job. You are more important than a contract going through or a sale being made. A lot of industries will not do that for you, that is a value you take into an interview, into a job, and into life. Value yourself above all and you will find a position that will work with you, not against you.
The biggest thing to remember is that you are more important than a job. You are more important than a contract going through or a sale being made. A lot of industries will not do that for you, that is a value you take into an interview, into a job, and into life. Value yourself above all and you will find a position that will work with you, not against you.
Thank you for the advice, Hannah.
Samuel
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Unfortunately, this depends on the workplace but every work place should have the right contacts, resources, and support you need in terms of your mental health. As you are going through the process to find the job you want and the company it is at, I believe it will become more apparent value of your mental health to that company. It is good to keep in mind about the value a workplace will have for your mental health but ultimately take into consideration your own value for your mental health. That will help guide you to the right workplace where you feel that its value of your mental health is close to your own value.
Thank you so much, Brandon!
Samuel
Updated
Connie’s Answer
Great question! When finding the right workplace, it's important to note what is important to you in terms of your work life balance, career aspirations, and need for support. Every company is different, and if you are applying to a new company, make sure you ask these questions during the interview process. Also, it's important to know the demands of the role you are applying for, in case this is something that can be too overwheling for your mental health or right on track.
A few good questions to consider for yourself:
What kind of team engagement activities exist in your company?
What kind of time off do you offer your employees?
Do you anticipate any additional responsibilities outside my role?
Also, it helps to find reviews of the company before applying to see if it is a right fit for you!
A few good questions to consider for yourself:
What kind of team engagement activities exist in your company?
What kind of time off do you offer your employees?
Do you anticipate any additional responsibilities outside my role?
Also, it helps to find reviews of the company before applying to see if it is a right fit for you!
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Great question, Erica. The sad truth is that only certain companies actually value their employees mental health. Fortunately for me - my company values my mental health. At least the training financial advisors at my firm do not work outrageous hours, have designated lunch times, access to mental health programs, open work environment, diversity initiatives, and more.
Companies will typically express how it values mental health during the networking / interview process. Interviewees can openly ask about initiatives that the respective firm takes, benefits, and more. The interviewers should be able to answer this question fairly easily. If not (or answered vaguely / with hesitance), you can conclude that comparable companies might value mental health more-so.
I hope this helps!
Companies will typically express how it values mental health during the networking / interview process. Interviewees can openly ask about initiatives that the respective firm takes, benefits, and more. The interviewers should be able to answer this question fairly easily. If not (or answered vaguely / with hesitance), you can conclude that comparable companies might value mental health more-so.
I hope this helps!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Samuel
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Erica,
Absolutely! I work for a global tech company which really does and provides a large amount of resources to support you as a individual, recognizing everyone is different.
I know this isn't the same for all companies and when looking for a role it might be hard to tell which companies value mental health. You could always check their corporate values and then find out about the types of benefits they offer their employees. You might decide your mental health is better supported through exercise or working from home, so checking to see what benefits are offered and what suits you can be a way forward.
Hope that helps!
Absolutely! I work for a global tech company which really does and provides a large amount of resources to support you as a individual, recognizing everyone is different.
I know this isn't the same for all companies and when looking for a role it might be hard to tell which companies value mental health. You could always check their corporate values and then find out about the types of benefits they offer their employees. You might decide your mental health is better supported through exercise or working from home, so checking to see what benefits are offered and what suits you can be a way forward.
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Cristian’s Answer
It really depends on the employer. My employer is Cisco and they really value mental health. They offer something called a "Day for Me" about four times a day where you get extra paid days off to just do something to better your mental health. They also value remote work which really allows me to have more time for myself to decompress. Leaders in the company also frequently talk about mental health and what they're doing to better it in the company. I see this being a common theme amongst companies more often as time goes on.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Samuel
I'm sure you meant "four times a year"
Fred Rosenberger
Updated
Reid’s Answer
I work for a very large company (+60,000 employees) which I believe is why they invest time in mental health. With that many employees there are countless resources made available to us such as help phone lines and other similar applications. The leadership teams are trained on working with different types of employees, accommodating different views and backgrounds (significant focus on inclusion and diversity).
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Samuel
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Hi,
Some workplaces certainly don't care about your mental health and you're simply seen as "a number" that's easily replaceable. However, if you find the right company to work for (like I have) then mental health will be an important consideration. Employers that care about you will give you the tools to manage your mental health (counselling resources, good work/life balance, fair pay, not overworked etc.)
Definitely take care of your mental health and I would recommend changing jobs/employers if you feel like your mental health is suffering because of your work.
Take care.
Some workplaces certainly don't care about your mental health and you're simply seen as "a number" that's easily replaceable. However, if you find the right company to work for (like I have) then mental health will be an important consideration. Employers that care about you will give you the tools to manage your mental health (counselling resources, good work/life balance, fair pay, not overworked etc.)
Definitely take care of your mental health and I would recommend changing jobs/employers if you feel like your mental health is suffering because of your work.
Take care.
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Great question! More and more workplaces value mental health as it's becoming a more discussed topic. It depends on the company's leadership mainly. In most cases, employers do care. However, sometimes the way they handle this is different. Some companies give certain days a year to focus on yourself or give back. Others offer in office mediation and workplace features that allow for different types of people to find their relaxation and space. It really comes down to the leadership!
Thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Rube’s Answer
You are correct. If something were to happen to you, then your job would just look for a replacement. This is why you should always put yourself and your mental health first. Your mental health is more important than the longterm effects of ignoring your mental health to satisfy needs at work. Most employers do care about your mental health, some do not realize that they are draining your mental health until someone speaks up, and others do not care. Make sure to use your voice and put yourself first.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Samuel
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
105
Answers
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello,
As a licensed marriage and family therapist who provides EFAP services, my employer values mental health. I can say from experience that there are multiple ways in which mental health is valued.
First, the individual support via our PTO (paid time off). This is an opportunity for me to evaluate my own wellness and take control of it, using the benefit of time off that is part of our benefits package. Every request I ask for is approved in no time, with no argument. Moreover, we also have EFAP services as well, which are at no cost to us, and a goal-oriented driven relationship with a therapist to solve whatever issue we are going through, using individual, couples, or family counseling.
The second level of support for mental health is through 1:1 supervision. This is the time when I can discuss whatever I need support on with my supervisor to that can assist me with how I am doing and my areas of improvement. This is vital for ongoing learning education, something I mention in my dissertation as intellectual wellness.
The third opportunity for support on mental health is through peer support and team meetings. We have the opportunity to give the "group therapy" vibe, and all each person the space to feel heard and validated, especially through these tough times and whatever is to come.
I can say that as mental health professionals, we would be complete hypocrites if we did not adhere to the same practices we preach.
This is my experience, and I hope that it helps.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist who provides EFAP services, my employer values mental health. I can say from experience that there are multiple ways in which mental health is valued.
First, the individual support via our PTO (paid time off). This is an opportunity for me to evaluate my own wellness and take control of it, using the benefit of time off that is part of our benefits package. Every request I ask for is approved in no time, with no argument. Moreover, we also have EFAP services as well, which are at no cost to us, and a goal-oriented driven relationship with a therapist to solve whatever issue we are going through, using individual, couples, or family counseling.
The second level of support for mental health is through 1:1 supervision. This is the time when I can discuss whatever I need support on with my supervisor to that can assist me with how I am doing and my areas of improvement. This is vital for ongoing learning education, something I mention in my dissertation as intellectual wellness.
The third opportunity for support on mental health is through peer support and team meetings. We have the opportunity to give the "group therapy" vibe, and all each person the space to feel heard and validated, especially through these tough times and whatever is to come.
I can say that as mental health professionals, we would be complete hypocrites if we did not adhere to the same practices we preach.
This is my experience, and I hope that it helps.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Sallie’s Answer
Personally the company I work for now highly values our mental health, which is also probably why the ranked as one of the best places to work on the Forbes 100 Best places to work list. They offer extensive wellness benefits including subsidized massages and acupuncture services right in our office! We dont have to clock out to receive them either since its considered a health beneift. We also have a yoga studio and unlimited paid time off. Its important for business to prioritize the health of their employees because it increases their employee retention rates which in turn increases profit margins
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Samuel
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Yes, mental health is a big part of the workplace. Providing employees the resource we need to balance work life is important to deliver results. We have a wellness coach and training to assist with well-being. Checking in with your employee is essential and provides them with all resources. Also, setting up time weekly or monthly to have a well-being fun time will help. Before you start with a company, its ok to look into their well being mental health program they offer the employees as well
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Samuel
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Erica, this is a great question I would have to say yes, my workplace is very interested in my mental health. They have provided me with three different rest areas so I can get away and relax, because sometimes mentally you de need to step back. We have a video game you, there is also a room with massage chairs, and of course we have an exercise room. All of these things help deal with stress. Best of luck
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Samuel
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Yes! Every firm should have mental health resources. If they don't value your mental health and that is important for you, find a place that values that.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Scott’s Answer
I believe my employer values mental health and has added a lot of support resources since the start of the pandemic but also my employer has many obstacles in place to get the entire company to buy-in and prioritize mental health. Once we all have the mindset of putting ourselves first before our careers then we will see major change but until then it will be a slow adoption.
Thank you so much, Scott!
Samuel
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Erica,
Every workplace will value different things. A great way to see if a workplace values your mental health is to see what they offer to support you: do they offer an employee assistance program (EAP)? Do they offer support groups or understanding paid time off/time off? You can gauge this during an interview process or even after beginning. Does you workplace offer fun outings? Etc. Good luck and I hear you! Its tough to manage one's mental health and meet the demands of work. You are not alone.
Every workplace will value different things. A great way to see if a workplace values your mental health is to see what they offer to support you: do they offer an employee assistance program (EAP)? Do they offer support groups or understanding paid time off/time off? You can gauge this during an interview process or even after beginning. Does you workplace offer fun outings? Etc. Good luck and I hear you! Its tough to manage one's mental health and meet the demands of work. You are not alone.
Thank you for the advice.
Samuel
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