Episode 16. Mental health as a key topic in your D&I strategy

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Mental health as a key topic in your D&I strategy

Mental health, especially in the workplace, is often overlooked and stigmatized. Most people will experience a mental illness or mental health issues in their working lives. In the wake of the pandemic, the sudden transition into remote and subsequent readily changing work situations have drastically affected mental wellbeing of people across organisations. It is important for employers to recognize this and understand that the mental health of their employees and of themselves is as important as their physical well being. Work stress and pressure can often aggravate and cause depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in employees. Further, people of colour, racial or ethnic minorities, women and the LGBTQIA+ community can face lack of representation, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and other stressors that negatively impact their mental health. With a majority of our lives spent at work, it is important for workplaces to focus on mental health as a part of their DEI strategy.

In this session of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, we will discuss how to destigmatize mental health in the workplace and promote open communication.

• What systems and resources must be put in place to support employees with their mental health?
• How to raise awareness of mental wellness and break stereotypes regarding mental illness?
• How to prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed at work due to the pressures and stress that they may be facing?