Overcoming stigma: 3 strategies toward better mental health in the workplace

Aug 4, 2021

McKinsey outlines three key strategies for companies to support employees' mental health. Image: Unsplash/Leon

Kana Enomoto

Senior Expert, Washington DC, McKinsey & Company

Nikhil Seshan

Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company

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Stigma ranks last when employers list their top mental-health priorities.

Productivity and engagement, wellbeing and access to treatment were the most important mental-health priorities for employers. Image: McKinsey & Company

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What is the World Economic Forum doing about mental health?

People with behavioural-health issues believe they are stigmatized by colleagues.

People with mental-health issues believe they experience stigma at work. Image: McKinsey & Company

Few employees want to work closely with someone who has had behavioural-health issues.

Just over a quarter of those surveyed were willing to work with someone in recovery from mental illness or substance-use. Image: McKinsey & Company

Most employees support equitable benefits and hiring practices for people with behavioural-health issues.

Around two-thirds of employees surveyed supported equitable benefits and hiring practices with behavioural-health issues. Image: McKinsey & Company

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What is the World Economic Forum doing about mental health?

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