May is a big month for me — Mother’s Day, my birthday, and this May, my twins are graduating from college (I’m still in denial about that)!
It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month, which couldn’t come soon enough! Everyone I talk to is stressed out about the steady news of layoffs, the uncertainty around AI, the divided nature of the country, and so on.
Here’s the thing: people want to work in organizations that prioritize their mental health. A 2025 longevity and wellness study found that half of American Gen Z and Millennials say they would take a pay cut if their employer prioritized their well-being (of course the best companies don’t make their employees choose!).
Here are a few things that you can think about doing this month (but really every month) to support your employees’ mental health:
Check in – a lot
Research shows that when employees feel checked in on, they feel more supported and report fewer mental health challenges.
According to Mind Share Partners’ 2025 Mental Health at Work report, “Employees who work at a company that supports their mental health are twice as likely to report no burnout or depression. They’re also three times more likely to trust their company and intend to stay there for two years or longer.”
Talk the Talk – literally
It might sound simple, but leaders who talk openly about their own mental health struggles can make a profound difference. But in a 2024 Calm Voice of the market report, only 32% of employees say their manager “openly discusses and shares their own mental health experiences” while 26% wish they did.
A little vulnerability goes a long way toward building trust—and creating a culture where people know it’s okay to be human.
Remember – one size does not fit all
Building a culture of well-being isn’t about offering a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about meeting people where they are.
Whether it’s flexible work policies, therapy support, coaching, expanded PTO, or regular mental health days, the most important thing is that companies address mental health at work, employees know what’s available, and leaders take it seriously.
Because when we create environments that truly prioritize mental health, it’s good for people and good for business.
I would love to hear what your organizations are doing to support employee mental health. We can all learn from each other.
5/7/25
