Mental Health Literacy in the Workplace: Implications and Challenges for Employee Well-being
Keywords:
Mental health literacy, employee well-being, organizational culture, artificial intelligence, sustainable work practicesAbstract
Mental health literacy refers to the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that enable individuals to recognize, manage, and prevent mental health problems effectively. In today’s workplaces, where mental health concerns among employees are increasingly prevalent, mental health literacy has become a critical issue for organizations. This article aims to provide an overview of mental health literacy in the workplace, offering practical guidance for its application in organizations while also discussing potential challenges and future research directions in behavioral science and related fields to support employee well-being. The effective application of mental health literacy in organizations requires an understanding of five key components: knowledge of how to prevent mental disorders; the ability to recognize early signs of developing mental health problems; awareness of available sources of help and treatment options; knowledge of effective self-help strategies; and competence in mental health first aid. In addition, recognizing the role of organizational culture in shaping employees’ mental health literacy is essential. Such understanding can inform the use of digital technologies, organizational culture development, job design, motivation, and employee engagement initiatives aimed at enhancing employee well-being. These efforts can help organizations respond to emerging challenges and extend mental health initiatives to digital- and artificial intelligence–driven work environments, ultimately supporting sustainable employee well-being and long-term sustainability at work.
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