95% of employees who call in sick for mental illness say it’s a physical ailment: expert

Managers and executives who take leadership on workplace mental health can help set the tone and ensure employees feel safe to come forward and share their experiences

HALIFAXtoday\Stephen Wentzell

The stigma around mental health in the workplace still remains prevalent, and one expert says it’s up to organizations to make the change.

Katharine Coons, who serves as the Canadian Mental Health Association’s national workplace mental health specialist, tells NEWS 95.7’s The Rick Howe Show the pandemic has pushed mental health into the limelight.

For organizations, workplace mental health guidelines and practices are becoming a “need to have” rather than a “nice to have,” according to Coons.

She points to job insecurity, unpredictability and responding to public health measures as additional stressors in the workplace.

“There’s definitely still a lot of room for improvement,” Coons said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Coons says 95 per cent of employees who call in sick for mental health reasons say it’s a physical health issue to avoid further stigma and discrimination.

With a variety of reasons making people hesitant to share their mental health concerns with employers, Coons says it’s up to organizations and its senior leaders to create a workplace environment where “people can come forward and bring their full selves to work.”

By taking a leadership role that focuses on workplace mental health, managers and executives can help set the tone by walking the walk, ensuring employees feel safe to come forward and also share their experiences.

“I wouldn’t say there’s some sectors that are better at it than others,” Coons said about industries addressing mental health in the workplace. “I think it’s really prevalent across all industries. It really depends on the culture that’s set by the organization and how safe people feel in the workplace to come forward around mental health challenges.”

For organizations, it’s pivotal for employees to know where to access resources and supports for mental health.

“If you think you’re in a workplace that’s open and supportive and when it comes down to it, they value long working hours over and above your mental health, that adds to the additional stress employees feel,” Coons said.

Coons encourages those experiencing mental health concerns in a stigmatized workplace to be aware of what kind of supports are available through work

Those could include therapy programs, additional benefits, flexible hours and understanding your rights as an employee.