Mental Health Awareness Month in May is an important reminder that workplace safety and health involves more than just physical hazards. While mental health and workplace stress may not be viewed as traditional safety issues, they have very real impacts on workers, businesses, and overall well-being.
Throughout life, we all face challenges – from everyday stress and burnout to anxiety and other mental health concerns. Heavy workloads, changing schedules, and personal responsibilities can all take a toll. Research shows that unmanaged stress can affect mental well-being and may contribute to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even thoughts of suicide. These challenges can also impact a worker’s job performance, productivity, communication, and daily functioning.
The good news is that employers can play a positive role in supporting mental well-being. Creating an environment where workers feel supported, respected, and comfortable asking for help makes a real difference. Simple actions, such as encouraging open conversations, reducing the stigma around mental health, and sharing available resources can help create safer and healthier workplaces.
OSHA offers several resources to help employers and employees address workplace stress and mental health. You can explore OSHA’s workplace stress webpage, workplace mental health fact sheet, and fatigue prevention webpage. These resources provide practical tips and outreach materials to help recognize and manage workplace stress.
Here are a few ways to get started:
For employers:
Create a workplace free from judgment and stigma.
Encourage workers to seek help when needed.
Train managers and supervisors to recognize warning signs and have supportive conversations about mental health.
Promote your available mental health and wellness resources.
For workers:
Share ideas with management about reducing workplace stress.
Take advantage of mental health resources and support programs.
Ask for help when you need it.
Support your coworkers and check in on one another.
Let’s make sure we continue this conversation even after May is over. By working together, we can help create workplaces that support both physical safety and mental well-being every day.
Amanda Wood Laihow is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
