As study after study has shown, in today’s workforce it’s imperative for employers to create a healthy work environment for their employees and cultivate positive outcomes for them. This not only includes building a safer physical work environment but also creating a stigma-free workplace culture.
A new complimentary resource, “A Mental Health Stigma-Free Workplace Culture Toolkit” from the Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, guides employers on steps they can take to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions as well as substance use disorder.
“In a workplace culture where mental illnesses or substance use disorder isn’t stigmatized, employees are more likely to be aware of available resources, enter treatment sooner and begin recovery earlier,” offers WCI Executive Director Jennifer Pferrer.
“When you accomplish that, it can foster employee loyalty and retention as well as enhance awareness and acceptance.”
While one in five U.S. adults – including one in four Hoosiers – suffers from some form of mental health disorder, most aren’t getting the treatment they need, Pferrer says.
“One of the main reasons is stigma. There are still negative stereotypes about mental illness that persist in and out of the workplace – and collectively we must work to erase these perceptions for the benefit of both workers and employers.”
Mental illnesses directly affect an employee’s ability to perform effectively at work and are associated with absenteeism and lost productivity. In fact, 80% of people with depression report some level of functional impairment.
The good news, Pferrer notes, is that treatment works, with many mental health conditions treated with talk therapy and/or medication.
“Treatment has been shown to improve productivity and effectiveness on the job. And as an employer, you can’t afford to ignore mental health,” she continues. “Employers who invest even $1 on mental health can see a $4 return.”
When it comes to substance misuse, companies have felt the consequences for decades through absenteeism, loss of productivity, safety issues and poor job performance.
By being a recovery friendly workplace, employers can accomplish several things. For example, it encourages a healthy and safe environment where employees and their communities can create positive change and eliminate barriers for those affected by addiction.
When discussing a “recovery friendly workplace” within this toolkit, it means a workplace supporting its communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength and being willing to work intentionally with people in recovery.
A chronic disease, substance use disorder does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, gender, age or race. According to the National Survey on Drug Use & Health, more than 20 million people in the United States are affected by it – that’s one in three American households directly impacted by this disease.
“Fortunately, a substance use disorder is a treatable, manageable disease. And like treatment for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease, the treatment for it should be ongoing and frequently assessed,” Pferrer states.
She encourages Hoosier employers and any interested organizations to download the toolkit at www.wellnessindiana.org.
“We want to see more and more companies become stigma-free – to be an employer that promotes a culture of openness, acceptance and understanding about employees’ overall health and well-being.”
