While workplaces across New York make policies and best practices regarding physical health issues and accommodations clear, similar practices do not exist for mental health. Amongst smaller businesses without Human Resource departments in particular, many employers may be unsure of the best practices regarding employee mental health and wellness, or not know where to go to find them to help support their employees, including for frontline workers.

Encouraging parity between physical and mental health, the presence of mental health information and resources in the workplace will work to prevent stigma around mental health issues while providing necessary resources encouraging proactive and positive mental health.                                                                                           

The Mental Health Association in New York State Inc. (MHANYS) recommends two actions that have the potential to immediately contribute to workplace mental health literacy, awareness, stigma reduction, healthy habits of self-care, and the pursuit of professional care when needed. These actions include:

1) Mental Health postings in the workplace: Similar to an OSHA or New York State Labor Department Safety Poster in the Workplace, MHANYS recommends New York State provide physical postings for businesses and requirements to post signage regarding these resources and reducing mental health stigma and encourage employee pursuit of professional and self-help options for recovery and management, and;

2) Voluntary mental health guidelines for the workplace: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these recommendations are more important than ever. As New Yorkers begin to return to their places of employment, we want to ensure that workplaces are prepared to play a role in enhancing mental health awareness and overall mental health literacy. New Yorkers who are frontline workers have experienced unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety, depression, and negative impacts to their mental health. 

To find out more about MHANYS and our Mental Health Matters Advocacy Week issues, please visit us at: https://mhanys.org/mental-health-matters-day/