M01: Mental Health Promotion

(Required)

INTENT

Promote mental health and well-being through a commitment to mental health education, programming and initiatives.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to promote mental health by integrating it into their commitment to overall health as well as provide basic education and resources on management of mental health, common mental health conditions and services within the local community. 

ISSUE

The global impact of mental health is profound. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, and depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy an estimated USD $1 trillion due to lost productivity. Unfortunately, support for investment in resources to support mental health is not commensurate with mental health’s impact on the workplace and, more broadly, the global burden of disease. Recent estimates indicate that common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, substance use) are experienced by 18% of adults over a 12 month period, and 30% of adults over the lifetime. Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions worldwide, global annual spending on mental health is less than USD $2 per person. In addition to its impact on productivity, failure to address mental health in the workplace can contribute to high turnover; presenteeism and absenteeism; repetitive recruitment and training costs; increased use of drug plans, disability claims, sick leave, employee assistance plans (EAPs) and other costly supports and increased accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, many individuals suffering from mental health conditions do not get the help they need. This problem is due to numerous factors, including poor mental health literacy and fear of stigma. Surveys show that many people are unable to correctly recognize mental disorders in themselves or others. Additionally, fear of stigma is shown to be a contributing factor toward underutilization of mental healthcare services available in the workplace.

SOLUTIONS

Given the high prevalence of mental health conditions among the working population, the workplace is increasingly seen as an important target for mental health promotion, prevention and intervention. These strategies include enhancement of mental health literacy, increased organizational support and reduction of stigma, which have been shown to help people recognize signs of poor mental health and encourage help-seeking behavior.  

IMPACT

Addressing mental health can have a major impact on individuals and communities. By promoting and normalizing the discussion of mental health, projects can help relieve stigma associated with mental health, enhance mental health knowledge and better support a mentally healthy workplace.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Commit to Mental Health Promotion

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

The project or organization is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all regular building occupants through the following:

1. At least three current or future mental health promotion programs or initiatives (e.g., education or awareness efforts, offering mental health screenings, stress management programs, trainings offered by a qualified in-house or contracted professional).

2. Promotion of the efforts above to occupants (e.g., organization-wide email reminders, posters).

3. Tailoring the efforts above to the culture and needs of the target population (e.g., why a focus on stress management, sleep or nature incorporation) as established by at least one of the following sources:

   1. Local or national mental health data, research or trends.
   2. Occupant survey responses.
   3. Occupant interviews or focus groups.

Part 2

Promote Mental Health Literacy

Verified by Educational Materials

For All Spaces

All employees are offered education and resources that address mental health literacy, including the following:

1. Information about mental health and common mental health conditions, including, at minimum: causes, signs and symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and substance abuse and addiction.
2. Strategies for supporting personal mental health and well-being, covering, at minimum: regular self-care practices, positive coping skills, and behaviors that influence mental health and well-being (e.g., sleep, nutrition, physical activity).
3. Local mental health organizations, self-help groups and help and crisis lines (call, text and chat).

 

Note: Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters and/or other written or online information. 

If the requirements of Part 2: Promote Mental Health Literacy are met through the provision of educational materials, then these can be counted toward Part 2: Promote Health and Wellness Education in Feature C01: Health and Wellness Awareness.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for WELL Core and MFR Certification, projects should provide education and information to tenants. 

© International WELL Building Institute