Workplace Mental Health: Creating Supportive Environments
Work should be a place where we grow, thrive, and feel supported—but for many, it’s the opposite. Workplace mental health struggles are real, yet they’re often ignored or downplayed.
At CPA Ontario’s audio live learning series, I spoke about the impact of mental health in professional spaces. The truth is that mental health challenges don’t stay outside the office. They show up in stress levels, productivity, and how we interact with colleagues.
But here’s the good news: workplaces have the power to create change.
The Workplace-Mental Health Connection.
Poor workplace environments don’t just exacerbate existing mental health challenges; they can also create them. High stress, unrealistic deadlines, toxic leadership, and lack of flexibility all contribute to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Some of the key workplace factors that contribute to mental health struggles include:
✔️ Perfectionism & unrealistic expectations:
Employees feel pressured to always perform at 100%, leading to burnout.
✔️ Lack of flexibility & support:
Rigid work structures make it difficult for those struggling to take the time they need.
✔️ Stigma & silence:
Employees fear speaking up about their struggles due to fear of being judged or penalized.
On the flip side, when businesses prioritize mental health, it leads to higher retention, better productivity, and a healthier work environment for everyone.
How Workplaces Can Support Mental Health
Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Leaders set the tone. If executives and managers openly talk about mental health, employees will feel safer doing the same. Creating safe spaces for open discussions—whether through mental health check-ins or team meetings—can help remove the stigma.
Offer Flexibility & Accommodations
Not everyone thrives in a 9-5, in-office setting. Offering flexible work schedules, remote options, and mental health days can make a huge difference in supporting employees who need balance.
Provide Mental Health Benefits
A comprehensive benefits package should include mental health support—whether that’s therapy coverage, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or in-house mental health resources. Employees should never have to choose between their paycheck and their well-being.
Train Managers to Recognize & Support Struggles
Managers are often the first line of defence when an employee is struggling, but many don’t know how to respond. Training leaders to recognize signs of burnout, anxiety, or depression—and teaching them how to provide compassionate support—can change workplace culture for the better.
Crystal Ball Reflection: What I’ve Learned
Mental health is not just an individual responsibility—it’s a workplace responsibility. Creating supportive environments benefits everyone.
When businesses foster mental well-being, employees don’t just survive—they thrive.
📢 What’s one change you’d love to see in workplace mental health? Let’s discuss this in the comments!
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SHAK TODAY
Shak is pursuing his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) and will start his practicum in January. He's involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association and he's working on turning his blog, Bipolar Empath, into a book while managing his accounting business.
Stay tuned for more updates on Shak’s journey and the impact he continues to make in the mental health community!
