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Building Stronger Workplaces

November 26, 2024

Key Insights & Resources for Enhancing Mental Health and Safety in Michigan

Investing in mental health and safety is crucial for building strong workplaces, a resilient workforce and thriving communities. We’ve pulled together important updates and resources focused on enhancing workplace mental health across Michigan.

Focusing on the three pillars of issues in the workplace, affecting the workplace, and individual behavioral health supports, these efforts are a significant step toward ensuring we build a stronger Michigan.

LEO’s Workplace Mental Health Report: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is collaborating with employers and professionals to implement strategies from the Surgeon General’s report. Our 2022 Workplace Mental Health Report outlines effective strategies for creating supportive workplace environments that enhance employee wellbeing and organizational success.

U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework: The framework emphasizes workplace mental health as a public health priority. It highlights how workplace stressors affect not only employees but also business productivity and the economy. Organizations are encouraged to incorporate mental health strategies that prioritize workers’ needs and promote resilience. View the Surgeon General’s report.

Understanding the Impact of Workplace Stress

Prevalence of Stress: A staggering 65% of U.S. employees identify their jobs as their primary source of stress.

Cost of Work Stress: Stress costs American companies over $300 billion annually due to healthcare costs, absenteeism and decreased performance. Approximately 40% of employee turnover is attributed to job stress.

Current Workplace Landscape

76% of U.S. workers report experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition.
84% attribute at least one mental health challenge to their workplace conditions.
81% of workers are seeking employers who prioritize mental health support.

Positive Trends

Employees who feel their employer genuinely cares about their wellbeing are:

69% less likely to seek new jobs
71% less likely to experience burnout
36% more likely to thrive in their lives
5 times more likely to advocate for their employer
3 times more likely to be engaged at work

Call to Action

By integrating mental health focused polices, programs, and resources organizations can improve not only employee wellbeing but also overall business performance. We encourage all employers and employees to explore these resources and integrate mental health strategies that benefit everyone involved.

For further information and to access valuable resources, visit www.michigan.gov/workplacementalhealth.

LEO’s Workplace Mental Health Report

Key Insights

Workgroup on Mental Health: LEO established a dedicated workgroup that collaborates with employers, workers, and professionals to develop strategies for promoting mental health, trauma awareness, and resilience in the workplace.

Understanding Resilient Workplaces: The report defines a resilient workplace as one that prioritizes both mental and physical well-being. It emphasizes that mental health is a critical component of overall workplace safety, linking mental and physical health through evidence of how chronic stress can lead to chronic diseases.

Identifying Mental Health Challenges: Depression and anxiety are the most common conditions as a result of chronic stress and are prevalent issues affecting workplaces, with millions of Americans impacted. Unfortunately, less than half receive treatment, highlighting the urgent need for effective workplace strategies.

Addressing Chronic Stress: The report outlines the severe impacts of chronic stress, including increased absenteeism, turnover, and presenteeism—when employees are present but not fully functional. This stress can lead to serious mental health conditions that affect both individuals and organizations.

Recommendation for Employers

Assess Workplace Culture: Utilize employee surveys or other tools to understand the mental health climate and foster trust.

Review Policies: Evaluate how the workplace may create or exacerbate chronic stress, consider implementing flexible work schedules, mental health days, training for supervisors on mental health awareness, or other changes.

Enhance Employee Assistance Programs: Ensure these programs are utilized effectively by understanding and addressing barriers to access.

Engage Employees: Create or expand employee resource groups to promote inclusivity and support.

Health and Safety Committees: Add chronic stress as an issue area for health and safety programs.

State Support and Resources

The report suggests several state-level initiatives to promote mental health in workplaces, including financial support for businesses and the establishment of a resource hub for mental health strategies.

By prioritizing mental health, employers can create healthier, more productive work environments that benefit everyone. The findings of this report underscore the importance of proactive measures to address mental health in the workplace, ultimately fostering a more resilient workforce.

Need Support Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

We will resume our events and webinar series in January 2025. Until then, you can view the playlist of past recordings with the top experts on many mental health subjects.

Article courtesy of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Oppportunity