US Department of Labor announces public education campaign to promote mental health-friendly workplaces; seeks to help employers, workers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today unveiled a public education campaign on the importance of mental health-friendly workplaces at the Society for Human Resource Management’s Workplace Policy Conference in Washington.

At the heart of the “Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?” campaign is a public service announcement that highlights how everyone in a workplace setting – whether you are a CEO, manager, co-worker, or an employee who voluntarily identifies as having a mental health condition – can promote workplace well-being. These roles can range from setting the tone for an inclusive workplace, to providing and requesting assistance and accommodations, to being a source of support to peers and colleagues.

“Today, one in five working-age Americans has a mental health condition. As America recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health-friendly workplaces will be more important than ever,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “This timely public education campaign reminds us that we all have a role to play, and that we all benefit from flexible, supportive workplaces that promote good mental health.”  

The video PSA, which will be distributed to television and radio stations nationally, and related companion materials can be downloaded online. Materials include posters, behind-the-scenes video interviews, workplace mental health resources and tips for using the PSA in your own workplace.

The PSA was produced by the Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative effort funded by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy that showcases supportive, inclusive workplaces for all workers.

“Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?” is the fifth in a series of CDE-produced PSAs exploring different aspects of disability employment.

Learn more about the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.