Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace: A Critical Conversation

By: Dr. Terry Samuels

Mental health in the workplace is an essential but often overlooked aspect of employee well-being. The stressors that employees bring into their work environment—whether personal loss, trauma, or ongoing mental health challenges—can deeply impact their productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. Employers and organizations that actively support their employees’ mental health not only foster a healthier work environment but also cultivate a more loyal and motivated workforce.

The Weight of Personal Trauma in Professional Spaces

One of the most significant barriers to mental well-being in the workplace is the challenge of managing personal trauma while maintaining professional responsibilities. Consider the experience of a dedicated nurse who has been navigating multiple layers of grief. She lost her son—who was a student at Georgia State—to gun violence two years ago. Just four years before that, she lost her father to Alzheimer’s, a condition that took him away long before his actual passing. To make matters even more complex, she works in hospice care, where she provides end-of-life support for others while grappling with her own unresolved grief.

Her personal story highlights an unfortunate reality: many employees are expected to compartmentalize their grief and continue working as if nothing has changed. However, loss does not simply disappear; it manifests in different ways, affecting focus, emotional resilience, and workplace interactions.

The Role of Employers in Supporting Grieving Employees

Employers have a responsibility to foster an empathetic work environment. A company’s ability to gauge the impact of loss and offer meaningful support can make all the difference in an employee’s ability to cope. But what can organizations do?

1. Provide Mental Health Resources – Employers should offer access to counseling services, including grief counseling. Recommended readings like It's OK That I'm Not OK and Love Knows No Death can also be valuable resources for those coping with loss.

2. Encourage Open Dialogue – Creating a culture where employees feel safe discussing their struggles without fear of repercussions can help destigmatize mental health challenges.

3. Flexible Leave Policies – Allowing bereavement leave beyond just a few days can provide employees the necessary space to begin processing their grief.

4. Support Groups Within the Workplace – Facilitating employee-led grief or support groups can provide employees with a network of colleagues who understand their experiences.

5. Assign Temporary Support Roles – When an employee is struggling, having a designated point person within HR or management to check in on them and provide accommodations can ensure they receive the support they need.

Coping Strategies: Building Resilience Through Therapy and Self-Care

While workplace support is crucial, employees must also take an active role in managing their mental health. For the grieving nurse, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness exercises, and guided imagery have been essential tools in helping her navigate her emotions. Additionally, taking small steps, such as going on a vacation or engaging in activities that bring personal fulfillment, can serve as positive outlets.

Maintaining a work-life balance is also essential. If an employee’s home life is chaotic—such as having a parent struggling with alcoholism or feeling isolated in their personal relationships—it can further compound stress. Organizations can play a role in offering holistic wellness programs, including fitness, nutrition, and self-care initiatives that promote overall well-being.

The Five Stages of Grief and Workplace Adaptability

Understanding the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—can help businesses create more compassionate policies. The reality is that most employees experiencing loss do not move through these stages in a linear way. They may wake up one day feeling angry, another day feeling numb, and yet another day feeling desperate for answers. Managers and HR personnel must recognize that grief is an ongoing process, and employees may need different forms of support at different times.

Encouraging employees to create scrapbooks or dedicate events to their lost loved ones can serve as therapeutic tools for healing. Honoring their memories in positive ways rather than solely focusing on their absence can shift perspectives and foster emotional resilience.

Reducing Workplace Stress and Promoting Mental Well-Being

Beyond grief support, organizations should focus on stress reduction initiatives that benefit all employees. This includes promoting healthy habits such as:

⦁ Encouraging employees to drink more water and maintain a balanced diet, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and physical health.

⦁ Offering on-site or virtual wellness programs that emphasize exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

⦁ Providing ongoing education about the connection between mental and physical health, ensuring employees understand how simple lifestyle adjustments can have significant long-term benefits.

A Workplace That Truly Cares

Workplaces that genuinely care about their employees will invest in their mental health and emotional well-being. Employers must recognize that loss, trauma, and stress do not stay at home—they follow employees into the workplace. By acknowledging and supporting mental health challenges, businesses not only help their employees heal but also create a more engaged and committed workforce.

A Step Toward Healing: Free Consultations

Managing PTSD and other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but support is available. As part of my work with Dr. Samuels' private practice, I offer free consultations to help veterans and their families explore personalized solutions for their unique needs. Having walked my own path of healing and mental health recovery, I deeply understand the challenges veterans face when navigating life after service. At Dr. Samuels' practice, we are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to support your journey toward resilience and well-being. Reach out today to take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.

By prioritizing mental health in the workplace, businesses can transform their culture and truly make a difference in their employees’ lives. Healing takes time, but with the right support, individuals can find strength in their journeys and create new paths forward.