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New NAMI Poll Reveals Employees Reluctant to Address Mental Health at Work

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released its second annual Workplace Mental Health Poll, conducted by Ipsos, featuring insights from full-time employees at companies with over 100 workers. The survey highlights a significant gap in addressing mental health concerns among employees, who report feeling left behind despite the availability of mental health resources.

The Findings Speaks Volumes

According to the poll, there is a strong demand for mental health support in the workplace. However, many employees feel that their needs go unmet. NAMI's CEO, Daniel H. Gillison Jr., pointed out, "This poll makes it clear—employees value mental health resources, but there's a disconnect between what's offered and what's actually reaching them." He emphasized that organizations must do more than just provide benefits; they need to create an environment where employees feel comfortable utilizing these resources.

Stigma Remains a Barrier

The poll indicates a troubling trend: many employees are reluctant to discuss their mental health issues out of fear of judgment. The top reasons for this hesitation include:

• - Stigma or Judgment: Concerns about how others might perceive their mental health struggles.
• - Lack of Colleague Discussion: Many employees feel isolated, as colleagues often don’t talk about mental health openly.
• - Fear of Appearing Weak: Stigma associated with vulnerability affects willingness to speak up.
• - Concerns About Opportunities: Employees worry that revealing mental health issues could hinder their career advancement.
• - Job's Impact on Mental Health: Many believe their job contributes negatively to their mental well-being.

Survey data shows that while a majority (81%) feel comfortable discussing their mental health with close friends at work and 57% with their manager, just 39% feel at ease talking to HR, and an even smaller figure of 28% would approach senior leadership. This underlines the lingering stigma around discussing mental health in a professional setting.

Knowledge Gaps in Mental Health Resources

Alarmingly, the poll revealed that only half of respondents (53%) know how to access mental healthcare through their employer’s insurance plans. Just over 20% have received training on recognizing mental health conditions or symptoms at work. Despite this, more than 75% expressed interest in obtaining further information and training about mental health supports offered by their employer. Notably, 84% want training specifically focused on health insurance benefits for mental health treatment, followed by 82% interested in managing stress and burnout.

The Role of Education in Changing Culture

While a quarter of respondents (26%) are uncertain about their employer’s mental healthcare offerings, over 80% recognize that having such benefits is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture. For those who have received training, more than half (57%) report feeling more comfortable discussing mental health at work. The effect is even more pronounced among managers, with 65% noting a boost in their comfort level after training.

The Path Forward

Darcy Gruttadaro, NAMI's Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized the need for companies to commit to mental health education and resources. "Companies stand to gain from the increased productivity and satisfaction among employees who are well-connected to mental health resources. Initiatives like the NAMI StigmaFree Workplace Initiative are essential in turning the challenges into opportunities for growth and success," she stated.

In conclusion, the findings from the NAMI poll underscore the critical need for organizations to create environments where mental health discussions can occur without stigma. By investing in education and resources, businesses can pave the way for a happier, healthier workforce that feels supported and valued in their mental well-being. For more information about NAMI’s initiatives and to learn how to get involved, visit their website or social media platforms.