May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time for leaders to focus on mental health awareness in the workplace. Mental health is no longer a personal issue—it’s a leadership issue that directly affects productivity, engagement, retention, and team culture.
Understanding and supporting employee mental health is now essential for organizations that want to thrive.
Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace Before the Pandemic
Long before COVID-19, workplace mental health was already under pressure.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 25 U.S. adults lived with a serious mental illness, while 1 in 6 children ages 6–17 experienced a mental health disorder. Mental health challenges among young adults were also steadily increasing.
(Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov)
Even before the pandemic, stress, anxiety, and burnout were impacting performance and morale across industries.
How COVID-19 Changed Mental Health in the Workplace
The pandemic dramatically accelerated the mental health crisis.
Research from the National Institutes of Health showed a threefold increase in depression symptoms during the early months of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 31% increase in emergency room visits among adolescents related to mental health concerns in 2020.
(Source: https://www.cdc.gov)
These numbers highlight how fragile mental wellness at work became almost overnight.
The Impact of Employee Mental Health on Business Performance
The effects of poor mental health extend far beyond the individual.
The World Health Organization estimates that 12 billion workdays are lost each year globally due to depression and anxiety. In the U.S., a recent survey from the Department of Health and Human Services found that:
- 84% of employees say workplace conditions contributed to mental health challenges
- 81% of workers plan to seek employers that support mental health
(Source: https://www.hhs.gov)
Mental health awareness in the workplace is now a critical driver of retention and engagement.
Leadership and Mental Health in the Modern Workplace
Mental health has become the new elephant in the boardroom.
Unchecked stress and burnout lead to:
- Lower productivity
- Higher absenteeism
- Increased healthcare costs
- Declining team morale
This is why organizations are investing in leadership and mental health strategies, not just policies.
Workplace Mental Health Programs Companies Are Adopting
Forward-thinking organizations are taking proactive steps to support employee mental health, including:
Mental Health Support in the Workplace
- Mental health screenings and assessments
- On-site or virtual mental health services
- Expanded insurance coverage
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
However, programs alone aren’t enough—leadership behavior plays the biggest role.
Reducing Workplace Stress Through DiSC Personality Awareness
One of the most effective ways to support mental health awareness in the workplace is through better communication and understanding.
DiSC Personality Discovery, used in Magnovo’s leadership programs, helps leaders understand how different personality styles respond to stress, change, and pressure.
Learn more about Magnovo’s approach to personality-based leadership development here:
👉 https://magnovo.com/disc-personality-training/
Understanding DiSC styles allows leaders to reduce friction, prevent burnout, and create healthier team dynamics.
Charitable Team Building and Mental Wellness at Work
Another powerful tool for improving mental wellness at work is charitable team building.
Magnovo’s charitable team building experiences shift focus away from pressure and toward purpose—helping employees reconnect with one another and the community.
Explore Magnovo’s charitable team building programs here:
👉 https://magnovo.com/charitable-team-building/
Serving others has been shown to reduce stress, build connection, and improve overall mental health.
Magnovo’s Impact on Mental Health in the Workplace
In 2024 alone, Magnovo facilitated 50+ charitable team building workshops, resulting in over 1,000 donated gifts to local communities.
From bikes and wheelchairs to school supplies and care packages, each experience helped teams:
- Strengthen relationships
- Reduce burnout
- Reconnect with purpose
When employees feel understood and connected, mental health improves naturally.
Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace Starts With Leadership
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder—but leadership action must happen year-round.
By prioritizing mental health awareness in the workplace, leaders can:
- Reduce burnout
- Improve communication
- Build resilient, engaged teams
If your organization is ready to support mental health through leadership development and charitable team building, Magnovo is here to help.
👉 Learn more about Magnovo’s leadership development workshops:
https://magnovo.com/leadership-training/
