Survey: Less Than One-Third of Workers Receive Mental Health Training

A recent survey found that less than a third of full-time workers receive mental health-related training or resources at work despite high demand for such support.

Survey Details

The National Alliance on Mental Illness collected responses from nearly 2,200 full-time workers at organizations with at least 100 employees for its third annual StigmaFree Workplace Mental Health Survey, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Stress Levels and Employer Priorities

Around 70% of respondents said they feel stressed about the state of the world, with 30% reporting feeling very stressed. Only 54% of workers believe their employer prioritizes their mental health.

Barriers to Discussion

Around half of workers worry they will be judged for discussing mental health struggles. Among managers, 46% said they worry about negative career impacts. Stigma and judgment surrounding mental health is a barrier for 41% of workers who feel uncomfortable talking about the topic. Retaliation and fear of losing job opportunities are the reasons 23% of workers do not discuss mental health. More than one out of four workers have considered quitting because of a job’s effect on their mental health.

Training Preferences and Comfort Levels

More than three-fourths of workers agreed it would be helpful to receive training on mental health conditions, identifying and responding to a mental health crisis, and stress or burnout management. Most workers said they feel comfortable talking about mental health with colleagues they consider a friend, teammates, and their manager. Fewer than half are comfortable talking with human resources or senior leadership. Workers whose employers offer mental health training were more likely to report feeling supported by managers and company leaders and were less likely to worry about mental health-related stigma, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

By prioritizing mental health at work through resources, training and open conversation, employers have the opportunity to build a culture that breaks down stigma and enhances well-being throughout the organization, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. said in a press release.