Supporting Mental Health at Work: A Guide for Employees and Employers

Mental health doesn't clock out when we clock in. With most adults spending a large portion of their lives at work, the workplace plays a major role in our emotional and psychological well-being.

Whether you're an employee trying to manage stress or an employer looking to create a healthier workplace culture, mental health support at work matters. Here's how we can all play a role in fostering well-being on the job.

Why Mental Health at Work Matters

Work can be a source of purpose and connection—but it can also bring pressure, burnout, and emotional strain. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

But beyond the numbers, supporting mental health at work is simply the right thing to do. Employees who feel supported are more engaged, loyal, and able to thrive.

For Employees: Taking Care of Yourself at Work

You can’t always change your job environment—but you can take steps to protect your mental health within it:

Know your signs – Notice when stress becomes persistent or overwhelming. Changes in sleep, motivation, or mood could be signals that you need support.
Set boundaries – Respect your time off, use your breaks, and try to disconnect from work outside of work hours when possible.
Communicate – If you're struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted manager or HR representative. You don’t have to share every detail—but asking for flexibility or support is okay.
Use available resources – Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or mental health benefits. Don’t hesitate to use them—they’re there for a reason.
Seek outside support – Talking to a therapist can help you process stress, gain perspective, and build coping tools that last.

For Employers: Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Supporting mental health isn't just good ethics—it’s smart business. Here’s how you can help:

Normalize conversations around mental health – Encourage open dialogue, share resources, and lead by example.
Promote work-life balance – Respect boundaries around time off, flexible scheduling, and realistic workloads.
Provide resources – Offer access to EAPs, mental health days, or wellness initiatives like mindfulness sessions or stress management workshops.
Train leadership – Managers are often the first point of contact. Equip them to recognize signs of distress and respond with empathy and discretion.
Foster belonging and inclusion – A culture that respects diversity and psychological safety helps everyone feel more supported and seen.

Mental Health is a Team Effort

A mentally healthy workplace benefits everyone. It’s not just about reducing stress—it's about creating a space where people feel safe, valued, and able to do their best work.

Whether you're an employee navigating workplace challenges or an employer building a stronger culture, small steps toward mental health awareness can make a big difference.

At Clarity Thinking we offer individual support for work-related stress, burnout, and anxiety, and we also partner with organizations for wellness trainings and consultations. Let’s work together to create healthier, more compassionate workplaces.