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The importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized in May and globally on 10 October for World Mental Health Day. Mental health is often one of the least visible and least discussed issues in diversity and inclusion practices. However, mental health challenges, such as depression, can significantly impact job performance, engagement, and contribute to higher disability and unemployment rates.

Masculine stereotypes and mental health

Masculine stereotypes create a narrow set of acceptable behaviors, causing distress when men feel they don’t conform. High levels of masculine stereotypes in workplaces can lead to burnout, sleep issues, and poor psychological well-being. To counter this, companies should encourage discussions about healthy masculinity and inclusive behavior, highlight available mental health resources for men, and utilize gender partnership training.

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Mental health issues are costly

  • $6.3 billion

    is the estimated loss in productivity due to mental illness in Canada each year.

  • $200 million

    is the estimated number of lost workdays in the US each year because of depression.

Companies should invest in mental wellness

For organizations committed to inclusion, addressing mental health is vital. A survey found 91% of employees want employers to prioritize their psychological health, valuing behavioral health benefits highly when considering job offers. On-demand mental health support ranked above perks like gym memberships or financial services.

  • Article

    Build health equity for a thriving workforce

    Learn how HR and diversity and inclusion teams can collaborate to create inclusive healthcare benefits. Discover insights on building equitable workplace strategies and support.

  • Report

    Menopause is a workplace wellbeing and mental health issue

    New research reveals how menopause affects workplace productivity and mental health. Learn strategies for implementing support programs and benefits.

  • Article

    Men’s mental health is suffering at work

    International Men’s Day spotlights men’s mental health, challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering inclusive workplaces globally.

  • Report

    Closing the menopause support gap

    Learn how workplace menopause support drives retention and productivity. Access strategies to create inclusive policies and meet employee needs.

  • Media Release

    Women call for more menopause support in the workplace in new global survey

    One third of respondents say menopause symptoms negatively affect their work, 72% hide their symptoms, 84% need more support.

  • Blog Post

    Why companies must pay attention to women’s health – And what ERGs can do to help

    Learn how ERGs can help to prioritize women's health from thought leaders at Sun Life, Scotiabank, Deloitte, and AARP.

  • Blog Post

    Healthy masculinity and other takeaways from real change with MARC

    Critical topics like benevolent sexism, cancel culture, and male privilege were discussed at this three-day global and regional event.

  • Blog Post

    Reproductive healthcare and equity for women in the workplace

    Understand how reproductive healthcare access affects workplace equity. Access research on supporting employee health and advancement.

  • E-book

    Half of frontline employees at risk of leaving: What you can do about it

    Our data show that across the board, frontline employees are not thriving. Read our new e-book to change that.

  • Guide

    Addressing burnout in the workplace

    Burnout has become a major global concern in the workplace. To support workers, organizations need to tackle this systemic issue.

  • Guide

    Supporting mental health in the workplace

    Avoid excessive stress and burnout in your employees by learning how you can prioritize mental health at your organization.

Related video

  • Podcast

    Episode 108: Reimagining wellness for a healthier workplace

    Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella talks about how to prioritize holistic well-being through company benefits and workplace culture.

  • Podcast

    Episode 106: From taboo to topical: Menopause in the workplace

    Janet Ko from the Menopause Foundation of Canada busts myths about menopause and flips the workplace taboo on its head.

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    Rewriting the frontline narrative from quitting to thriving

    At the end of this webinar, you will have a better understanding of the challenges faced by frontline employees and learn best practices to attract, retain, and support them.

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    Episode 105: Broadening gender in workplace DEI

    Dani Gomez-Ortega at McCain Foods and Mark Greene at Remaking Manhood discuss how we frame gender in workplace DEI initiatives.

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    Episode 103: What does Gen Z want in a workplace?

    Remington Bennett, Content Writer and Producer at The Female Quotient talks about how a multi-generational workplace will shift workplace culture.

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    How to create a respectful and rewarding frontline experience – New Catalyst data shows how

    At the end of this webinar recording, you will have a better understanding of the challenges faced by frontline employees and what it means to attract, retain, and support them.

  • Webinar recording

    Virtual Roundtable: Mental health at work: From awareness to acceptance

    This discussion aims to foster an environment of understanding and support, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard.

  • Webinar recording

    Virtual Roundtable: Women’s health in the workplace: Menopause

    Watch this roundtable to learn about the role of organizations in supporting those going through menopause.

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    When Do People Intervene?

    Learn effective bystander intervention strategies for the workplace. Discover how to recognize opportunities and take action to build inclusive teams.