Overview:

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 21% of Americans aged 18 and older experience a mental health condition. This translates to one in five adults.

Included in this figure are illnesses like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Just like a physical illness or disability, mental health conditions can present real challenges in the workplace for both the worker, their supervisor, and co-workers. Oftentimes, people with mental health conditions are reluctant to disclose the presence of these disorders because of fears and concerns regarding stigma and possible discrimination. Webinar attendees will learn about the prevalence of mental health conditions and the impact they may have on the workplace. In addition to gaining a better understanding that mental health conditions are treatable, webinar attendees will learn about the effects of stigma, specifically in the work environment. Stigma and the fears about possible discrimination are some of the major concerns people have when considering disclosing the presence of a mental health condition to an employer or co-workers, despite the fact that workplace supports can mitigate the impact of a mental health condition. There is a lack of understanding about mental health conditions and the myths about these disorders continue to perpetuate stigma, which can be destructive to the workplace and employee morale. Workshop attendees will identify potentially stigma related occurrences in the workplace. Additionally, participants will identify specific features of workplaces that reduce stigma toward mental health conditions.

Why should you Attend:
Stigma around mental health conditions is prevalent and can pose many challenges in the workplace. This stigma may prevent qualified job seekers and current employees with mental health conditions from accessing necessary supports that might contribute to their success on the job. Not only are businesses missing out on a valuable pool of workers, but they may also be missing an opportunity to promote practices that support mental health and wellness in the workplace. Human Resource professionals can better understand the devastating effects of stigma and its impact on the workplace. This improved understanding helps organizations to be in a better position to encourage a stigma free work culture.

Areas Covered in the Session:

• The prevalence of mental health conditions and the impact they may have on the workplace
• Mental health conditions are treatable and that people with mental health disorders are productive employees
• Identify the effects of stigma, specifically in the work environment
• Strategies to identify potentially stigma related occurrences in the workplace
• Tips to reducing stigma in the workplace

Who Will Benefit:

• Human Resource Professionals
• Organization Leaders/Administrators
• Employees
• Supervisors