It may come as a surprise that OSHA is now discussing “headspace.” Not a term used often in safety and health practices. But on OSHA’s homepage you’ll find a short video on how to create a workplace culture that supports mental health. It’s appropriate — May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Promoting “good headspace” means workers are in a healthy, productive mindset to manage thoughts and emotions. They are mentally clear, emotionally balanced and capable of handling stress without feeling overwhelmed — key attributes to avoiding injuries, near-misses, lower productivity, increased absenteeism, bad decisions and distractions and mental clutter that reduce awareness and being engaged in workplace activities.

OSHA makes these points in the short video:

• The supportive culture is created by workers talking about mental health to each other.
• Conversations should be respectful. Offer simple check-ins: “How’s it going?”
• Be understanding if a coworker doesn’t want to talk. “I’m here if you’d like to chat.”
• Listen compassionately. Give them your undivided attention. “Anything I can do to help?”
• Listen without judgment. “How are you feeling about that?”
• Know the signs if someone needs mental health support. They may be eating or sleeping too much. Have low or no energy. Avoid others. Worry excessively. Misuse alcohol, medications or other substances. Have thoughts of self-harm.
• If a coworker needs more help, suggest resources or how to get help. “Did you know there is a free confidential hotline? Try 1-800-662-HELP.
• If they need more help, share ways to get help at work. “I saw this HR program we can use…”
• Remember, it may not be appropriate for you to offer advice. “Thanks for talking with me.”
• Check back later. Find a balance between checking in and giving space. “How are you today?”
• Continue building trust and respect. “What can I do to support you?”

Mental health: The big picture

Guidance and tips for employers are important as OSHA cites these statistics:

• Nearly one in five US adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health;
• Workplace stress has been reported to cause 120,000 deaths in the US each year, according to a 2015 paper published in Management Science;
• Approximately 65% of US workers surveyed have characterized work as being a very significant or somewhat significant source of stress in each year from 2019-2021, according to the American Psychological Organization;
• 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress and 54% of workers report that work stress affects their home life, according to the World Health Organization.

OSHA offers resources for strengthening mental health and wellbeing at osha.gov/workplace-stress

NIOSH offers resources on stress at work at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/default.html