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HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work

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Breaking the taboo starts with you.

Though the pandemic increased the visibility of our whole selves, making virtual vulnerability a more regular workplace occurrence, stigma surrounding mental illness remains. It's easy to ask for time off when you break a leg; it's difficult to share with your boss and colleagues if you're suffering a depressive episode. And, how do those conversations go if you're the boss? You want to say and do the right thing to support your people and your organization—and avoid legal issues.

Research shows that 1 in 4 adults will have a mental health issue in their lifetime, and yet we're still ill-equipped at work to address this common experience. The HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work collects advice from a variety of experts on addressing an array of mental health issues in the workplace, from supporting someone in a panic attack to navigating sensitive conversations to creating systemic and structural supports for all employees. Whether you suffer from a chronic condition or you manage someone who does, you'll find practical advice on creating and upholding policies; providing resources, support, and accommodations; and steps you can take to reduce the stigma and improve mental health in the workplace.

You'll learn how to:

Talk about mental health at work
Make a disclosure
Take a disability leave
Cope more effectively with feelings of anxiety and depression
Manage a chronic condition and your career—successfully
Give support without overstepping
Create a more empathetic culture
Launch an employee resource group to provide support and connection

Arm yourself with the advice you need to succeed on the job, with the most trusted brand in business. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, the HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

23 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Harvard Business Review

1,117 books1,861 followers

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
37 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2023
I found several practical solutions for proactively addressing mental health as both an employee and someone who aspires to be in a managerial role one day. The book is a collection of essays on topics like discussing mental health issues with your boss, how to structure your day to accommodate any needs, when you're worried about a colleague and reducing stigma in the workplace. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who is struggling with mental health issues at work or anyone that wants to be a better ally.
Profile Image for Jeffrey Ning.
251 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2022
Mental health can become sensitive or taboo topic that C-Suite leaders might squirm. Rather eye-opening with practical tips and guides in the course of work.
Profile Image for Matthew.
398 reviews
April 30, 2024
Audiobook - Covers many topics to do with Mental Health
Profile Image for Jaclyn Leigh.
92 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2025
Talked a lot about the importance of diversity equity and inclusion on mental health 🥹
Profile Image for Rogival Gregory.
76 reviews
February 13, 2025
A simple message would be: if at one point of time, it collapses, dare to speak. On the other side, if you are in a managing position, dare to listen and propose action plan
Profile Image for Ojal Maps.
43 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2025
This book addresses mental health in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of employees caring for their mental well-being as much as their physical health. It aims to destigmatize discussions about mental health by highlighting how common mental health conditions are and advocating for self-care among employees.

The book offers practical guidance, such as creating a structured daily routine, breaking large projects into smaller deadlines, and establishing a regular deep work session. Another key takeaway is the value of timeboxing, alternating between focused and unfocused work periods.

On a broader scale, the book advocates for leaders and companies to better accommodate employees' mental health needs by fostering open conversations and implementing changes based on feedback.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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