KSL+

How to prioritize mental health at work

Nov 24, 2024, 8:17 AM | Updated: Dec 21, 2024, 4:49 pm

Employees are demanding companies to pay attention to mental health now more than ever before. (Can...

Employees are demanding companies to pay attention to mental health now more than ever before. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Work can feel fulfilling but also stressful at times, which can affect our mental health. That’s why it’s crucial to create and, more importantly, maintain a mentally friendly work environment.

On the latest Let’s Get Moving podcast episode, host Maria Shilaos spoke with Betsy Schwartz, director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, to learn how both employers and employees can address struggles with mental health in the workplace.

According to Schwartz, employees are demanding companies pay attention to mental health now more than ever before.

“I’ve even heard stories from major Fortune 500 companies who say that in their recruitment process, employees are now asking about mental health,” Schwartz said.

She said part of the reason is because so many people experienced mental health challenges during COVID-19 that it’s much more prevalent now.

Signs of mental health issues at work

The signs are different for everyone, but usually, it’s a combination of factors that add up. You can categorize them as mood, behavior, thinking, or appearance.

The example Schwartz gave was someone who always came to work very cheerfully but now looks withdrawn.

Another example is someone who was always on time and made deadlines but is now no longer doing so.

“Whenever there’s a combination of signs or symptoms, especially if they’re over a prolonged period, then it’s important for a co-worker or a manager to have the courage and tools to be able to be helpful,” Schwartz said.

Resources to maintain a mentally healthy workplace

The Center for Workplace Mental Health has a program called Notice, Talk, Act. at Work, which was created about three years ago. Many companies use it because it helps address employers’ concerns and educate employees.

The program teaches what to recognize, how to notice when there’s a challenge, how to have a conversation, and how to encourage people to get help.

“We can’t really assume that everybody feels comfortable having a conversation with either someone they supervise or with a co-worker,” Schwartz said. “While we all have the best of intentions and we want to be helpful, we know that if we don’t really feel comfortable, we may be reticent to ask the question.”

Having the conversation

The conversation may be the hardest part, but it’s an important step to take. It all starts with bringing up the concern you have for the co-worker.

“If you’re a supervisor, you can say, ‘I’ve noticed that you usually are missing deadlines, or you are usually coming into work late, and now I’m just concerned and I wonder if something’s going on.’”

Schwartz said the most important thing is to be quiet and let the person tell you if they want to talk. They may say that everything’s fine. If that’s the case, all you can say is that you’re there for them whenever they want to have that conversation.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSL+

The DC-7C airliner took off from McChord Air Force Base on June 3, 1963, with 101 passengers and cr...

Feliks Banel, KSL Podcasts

Unsolved Histories episode 1: ‘Brothers’

When Greg Barrowman waved goodbye to his teenage brother Bruce at an airfield, he had no idea that the events that would transpire on that day would affect his family for the next six decades.

4 months ago

A 41-year-old woman living in Taylorsville was sentenced to a year of home detention and five years...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Pilates instructor ordered to repay 15 years of disability benefits

A pilates instructor living in Taylorsville was sentenced to a year of home detention Monday after Social Security agents found her exercise videos on social media while claiming disability benefits.

4 months ago

An Orem man is facing a criminal charge after police say he ran over a man who had fallen in a road...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Orem driver charged with running over man in Provo

An Orem man is now facing a criminal charge accusing him of running over a man who had fallen in the street and not stopping to help.

4 months ago

An officer helps free a car stuck on Main Street in Farmington, Dec. 14, 2015. When it comes to get...

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com

Teen drivers should be educated on emergency preparedness

When it comes to getting teen drivers prepared for the emergencies that can arise on Utah's streets and highways, the message is the same: You have to talk literally about it.

5 months ago

Fourth District Judge Anthony Howell ruled Thursday to dismiss a defamation lawsuit lawsuit filed b...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

Judge dismisses lawsuit against Millard County newspaper

A 4th District judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against a Millard County newspaper in a ruling on Thursday.

5 months ago

Detective Jim Guzman, from Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, holds a deck of cards filled with the...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Utah families look to new technology to solve cold cases

Despite being named the Hope Conference, many attendees have a complicated relationship with the word hope.

5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

How to prioritize mental health at work