Experts in Conversation: A Conversation with Chief of Staff, Care Services, Headspace on Mental Health in the Workplace
On the heels of World Mental Health Day, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the discussion surrounding mental health and wellness in the workplace. Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing mental health as a core pillar of overall well-being, but there is still much work to be done. In this enlightening conversation, I had the privilege of speaking with Nicole O’Connor, Chief of Staff, Care Services at Headspace, a leader in the field of mental wellness. Our discussion shed light on what’s missing, what Headspace is contributing, and how the future of work can be reshaped for the better.
The Current State of Mental Health in the Workplace
Before delving into our conversation, let’s examine the current state of mental health in the workplace and its impact on personal well-being and work performance.
- Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in the Workplace: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders alone cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. These conditions are among the most common mental health disorders in the workplace, affecting millions of employees worldwide. [“Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates,” World Health Organization, 2017]
- Impact on Employee Productivity: A study by Harvard Business Review found that workplace stress contributes to 120,000 deaths and results in $190 billion in healthcare costs each year. Beyond the financial toll, workplace stress and mental health issues can significantly hamper productivity, leading to decreased job performance and increased absenteeism. [“Stress…The Silent Killer,” Harvard Business Review, 2015]
- Mental Health Benefits and Employee Satisfaction: A report by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) revealed that companies offering comprehensive mental health benefits saw an increase in employee satisfaction by 38%. Providing access to mental health care is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic move that can positively impact employee morale and retention. [“Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace,” SHRM, 2020]
These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing mental health in the workplace and the potential benefits of doing so. My conversation with Nicole O’Connor gives an insider’s perspective on this critical issue and the role organizations like Headspace play in being part of the solution.
Question 1: What’s Missing in Mental Health as a Pillar of Wellness in the Workplace?
To kick off our conversation, we delved into what’s missing when it comes to mental health in the workplace. Our guest noted the progress made over the past few years in recognizing mental health as an essential aspect of employee well-being. Many companies now offer mental health benefits, marking a significant shift from the silence that once surrounded the topic. As Nicole O’Connor mentioned:
“When you look at job boards and various postings, a lot of places will list mental health benefits as part of their offering, just like dental and health insurance. That is progress in my mind.”
O’Connor went on to highlight 2 crucial aspects of what’s missing when it comes to mental health as a cornerstone of well-being in the workplace.
1. Accessibility for All: O’Connor stressed the importance of universal access to mental health support, regardless of where individuals are on their mental wellness journey. She highlighted that the level of need varies between industries and roles. For example, the mental health requirements of a teacher differ from those of a healthcare worker. O’Connor underlined the need for flexible mental health solutions that cater to individual needs and transcend industry boundaries. Unfortunately, many individuals still lack the essential mental health support, emphasizing the urgency of creating inclusive and comprehensive mental health programs.
2. Moving Beyond Checkbox Compliance: O’Connor emphasized that for those organizations that have made mental health a priority, it’s not merely about ticking a box and offering mental health services. Instead, she emphasized the importance of integration, making mental wellness a fundamental part of the organization’s culture. This cultural shift involves not just offering services but encouraging open discussions around mental health and making it a normal part of the workplace culture.
Making it normal to discuss mental health and incorporating it into the company’s core values can significantly impact the overall well-being and performance of employees. These insights highlight the necessity of going beyond superficial initiatives to create an environment where mental wellness is a genuine and ingrained priority, ultimately benefiting all employees.
Question 2: What Is Headspace Contributing to the Transformation Needed?
The transformation required in the field of mental wellness is substantial. Instead of merely acknowledging mental health services as a checkbox, companies and individuals can benefit from the complete integration of mental wellness into an organization’s culture, making it an intrinsic part of the workplace ethos. The transformation needed starts with embracing mental health as health, and offering access to services that meet people where they are in their mental wellness journey.
Headspace, known for its meditation and mindfulness resources, does exactly that. The continuum of need is recognized, ranging from those who are just beginning to explore mental health care to those with extensive therapy experience.
What’s unique about Headspace is its ability to identify where individuals fall on this continuum, providing tailored support. The goal is not to keep individuals in care forever but to equip them with the tools they need for support in their daily lives. When individuals are aware of the resources available to them, they can effectively communicate their mental health needs and engage with tailored support.
“It’s about helping to identify through easy assessments that are made right from the beginning of your journey, to understand where this individual is on the continuum of need.”
Since Headspace’s integration of the Care Services department, the potential for this tailored approach is even greater. Mental wellness is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey. This perspective reaffirms the importance of integrating premium-level care throughout this journey, showcasing Headspace’s commitment to supporting individuals at every stage.
Question 3: Can you describe a typical Patient Journey?
When it comes to meeting members where they are, Headspace provides a comprehensive range of care services, including coaching, therapy, and psychiatry. Members start by taking an assessment through the Headspace app, which helps determine where they stand on the mental wellness continuum. They are then directed to content and resources that suit their needs, such as meditation practices or sleep courses. As Nicole O’Connor detailed:
“They’ll then be routed in through content. They might have some recommendations for content depending on what they’re struggling with.”
These services are designed to meet members at their level of comfort. Members can be matched with coaches who provide text-based support for those who may feel apprehensive about traditional therapy or counseling. Or, members are connected with licensed therapists and psychiatrists for more intensive care. This comprehensive model combines tailored on-demand features from the Headspace app with personalized care from qualified professionals. This approach allows members to move seamlessly through the care continuum, obtaining the support they need at each stage of their journey.
Question 4: How It’s Working, What Needs to Change, and the Opportunities Ahead
The conversation took an insightful turn as we explored what’s currently working and where improvements are needed.
What’s working: O’Connor highlighted the positive trend of employees and organizations becoming increasingly open to discussing and addressing mental health. For example, companies are seeking support from Headspace to facilitate group conversations, acknowledging the importance of a safe space to discuss mental health.
“The fact that all those people are comfortable hopping on that Zoom call to process something is good.”
However, challenges persist.
What’s not working: In some workplaces, employees are overworked and stressed to the point where they cannot even spare 15–30 minutes for a text-based coaching session. Organizations and leaders who don’t have a baseline understanding of how to address burnout are creating cultures that continue to perpetuate the burnout their employees are stuck in.
Recognizing this, O’Connor emphasized the need to reverse how these organizations are currently addressing burnout in their team culture. For example, when a member is struggling with burnout, some companies attempt to support that person by taking work away from them or not giving them new opportunities.
“This person’s just gotten burnt out. They’re too stressed. Let’s not give them this extra project.”
For that team member, however, it can feel like they’re being penalized instead of supported. O’Connor recommends a different approach that encourages leaders to ask team members what support they need at work, while also normalizing and encouraging members to access mental health support services, like Headspace, concurrently. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of workplace stress and burnout collectively.
Question 5: The Inspiration for the Future of Work
The interview concluded on an optimistic note, as we discussed the inspiration for what the future of work could look like. O’Connor shared her profound insights about the impact of normalizing mental health in the workplace and how it can shape the future of work:
- Empowerment through bringing your whole self to work: Normalizing mental health in the workplace significantly relaxes and empowers individuals. It helps them shed fear, gain confidence, and embrace their competencies. This newfound self-assuredness enables them to show up at work as their whole selves, authentically.
- Embrace Intelligent Failure: The workplace of the past, often rooted in fear-based practices, has evolved into a space where individuality is celebrated. Mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. O’Connor gave an example of how organizations can make a small but impactful shift in their team culture by celebrating mistakes, or as Amy Edmonson calls it “intelligent failure”, and making it a normal part of your workplace. This approach fosters a culture of growth and learning within the workplace. In the next decade, the hope is that this culture of celebrating intelligent failure and embracing mental wellness becomes the norm, enabling employees to prioritize their well-being and personal development within their work environments.
- Mental Health creates Organizational Health: The culture of embracing and normalizing mental health is pivotal. When individuals feel good about themselves and prioritize self-care, it influences their performance at work, benefiting not only their colleagues but also the organization’s overall results.
The normalization of mental health conversations at work leads to the confidence to show up authentically. This confidence has the power to unlock employees’ full potential and drive better team performance, creativity, and innovation.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of mental health in the workplace, organizations like Headspace are playing a crucial role in reshaping our approach. The conversation with Nicole O’Connor, Chief of Staff, Care Services at Headspace, sheds light on the critical work being done to make mental wellness an accessible and normalized part of our work lives, ultimately leading to healthier and happier employees.
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Sources:
- “Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates,” World Health Organization, 2017
- “Stress…The Silent Killer,” Harvard Business Review, 2015
- “Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace,” SHRM, 2020
- “How Fearless Organizations Succeed,” Strategy+Business, https://www.strategy-business.com/article/How-Fearless-Organizations-Succeed
