Navigating Mental Health at Work: A Reading List

Simone Biles’s withdrawal from Olympics competition has reignited a global conversation about mental health and work. Here’s some resources for those struggling with mental health at work, as well as managers who want to prepare for these these conversations with employees.

As the latest in a series of high-achieving public figures who has taken a step back from work to focus on their mental health, Simone Biles has reignited an ongoing conversation about mental health, disclosure, and stigma.

But public figures are not alone: More and more people are talking to their bosses about their mental health. Surveys show employees want to work at a company whose culture supports mental health; in fact, it’s becoming one of the most-requested benefits in the wake of the pandemic. This is especially true for young workers: In a recent Deloitte survey of more than 27,000 Millennials and GenZers around the world, nearly half ranked mental health as their first or second priority.

As a manager, how can you prepare yourself for these conversations with your employees? Or better yet, what can you do if you’re the one personally struggling with mental health at work? Here are some resources to help.

We Need to Talk About Mental Health at Work

In the U.S. one in four adults struggle with it. (November 2018)

What Covid-19 Has Done to Our Well-Being in 12 Charts

The pandemic has led to mental health declines, increased work demands, and feelings of loneliness. But the news isn’t all bad. (February 2021)

Make Mental Health Your #1 Priority

In a global survey, 48% of Gen Zs said they feel anxious most of the time. (September 2020)

Your Mental Health and Your Work (podcast)

At a time when we bring so much of ourselves to work, mental health is still something we don’t like talking about at the office. But so many high-achieving people have suffered — or are currently suffering — from anxiety, depression, or other mental and emotional issues. (September 2019)

When You Need to Take Time Off for Mental Health Reasons

And how to get back into the swing of things afterward. (March 2018)

Research: People Want Their Employers to Talk About Mental Health

Nearly 60% of employees have never discussed their mental health at work. (October 2019)

When Your Employee Discloses a Mental Health Condition

Best practices for navigating the conversation. (February 2021)

Talking About Mental Health with Your Employees — Without Overstepping

Three tips. (November 2020)

Eight Ways Managers Can Support Employees’ Mental Health

Nearly 42% of employees report a decline in mental health since the pandemic began. (August 2020)

Five Ways Bosses Can Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health at Work

One in four adults struggle with a mental health issue. (February 2019)