Skip to main content
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Foundation
    Close
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • mySHRM Login
  • MySHRM
    • Dashboard
    • Account
    • Logout
SHRM Business
  • HR Solutions
    • Elevate HR Skills & Organizational Capabilities
      Empower Talent Management & Acquisition
      Support AI Adoption & Execution
      Manage Organizational Change
      Create an Inclusive & Diverse Workplace
      HR Tools Marketplace
  • Leadership Solutions
    • Linkage

      Talent and leadership development solutions that drive measurable business results.

      • Advancing Women Leaders
      • Accelerating Purposeful Leadership
      • Linkage Institute
      Executive Network

      The executive support you need for tackling obstacles that lead to meaningful workplace change.

      • About EN
      • Executive Insights
      • EN Event Experience
  • Brand Partnerships
    • Advertise With Us
      Exhibit & Sponsor Events
      Become a Recertification Provider
      Executive Positioning
  • Events & Insights
    • Resources
      • Assessments
      • Corporate Membership
      • News
      • Research
      Attend as a Team
      • Certifications & Learning Systems
      • Conferences & Events
      • Education Programs
      • Training & Development
Buy Team Packages
Close
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Foundation
  • HR Solutions
    back
    HR Solutions
    • Elevate HR Skills & Organizational Capabilities
      Empower Talent Management & Acquisition
      Support AI Adoption & Execution
      Manage Organizational Change
      Create an Inclusive & Diverse Workplace
      HR Tools Marketplace
  • Leadership Solutions
    back
    Leadership Solutions
    • Linkage

      Talent and leadership development solutions that drive measurable business results.

      • Advancing Women Leaders
      • Accelerating Purposeful Leadership
      • Linkage Institute
      Executive Network

      The executive support you need for tackling obstacles that lead to meaningful workplace change.

      • About EN
      • Executive Insights
      • EN Event Experience
  • Brand Partnerships
    back
    Brand Partnerships
    • Advertise With Us
      Exhibit & Sponsor Events
      Become a Recertification Provider
      Executive Positioning
  • Events & Insights
    back
    Events & Insights
    • Resources
      • Assessments
      • Corporate Membership
      • News
      • Research
      Attend as a Team
      • Certifications & Learning Systems
      • Conferences & Events
      • Education Programs
      • Training & Development
  • Buy Team Packages
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM Business
mySHRM Login
  • MySHRM
    • Dashboard
    • Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Enterprise Solutions
  2. Enterprise Insights
  3. How HR Moves from Hesitation to Mental Health Leadership
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

How HR Moves from Hesitation to Mental Health Leadership

May 20, 2025 | Aaron Teitelbaum

man with hands up explaining something something to a colleague

As mental health challenges rise across workplaces, HR professionals are often the first line of defense. However, SHRM research found that 30% of HR professionals do not feel equipped to meet the mental health needs of employees. The need for informed, compassionate, and proactive mental support has never been greater.

Ad-hoc resources aren’t sufficient in a world where workplace stress is escalating. Organizations need comprehensive, strategic support systems in place.

Mental Health in the Workplace

According to a report by Workhuman, 40% of employees said their job negatively impacts their mental health, Moreover, SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series reported that 44% of employees feel burned out, 45% feel emotionally drained, and 51% feel “used up” by the end of the day.

These statistics highlight significant concerns for individuals and organizations. Employees who burn out are more likely to look for other jobs and are less likely to be productive. Furthermore, when nearly half of the workforce is struggling, it takes a tremendous toll on the organization. “Productivity dips, engagement declines, and even safety incidents can increase,” explained Kim Lisiak Fraleigh, director of leadership development at Indiana-based Lippert Components.

Mental health at work matters. This certificate program is designed for HR professionals and people managers to build the skills needed to recognize mental health challenges, respond with confidence, and create a culture of support.


Failing to Connect I&D to Business Outcomes

Ambiguous statements or “checkbox” language that is not linked to business outcomes can diminish the value and importance of I&D work, according to Stovall. 

Talking about I&D without connecting it to business outcomes, risks the work, “being seen as a separate initiative, a nice to have, rather than a core business strategy,” she said. “It also makes the work vulnerable during economic downturns and shifts in organizational priorities.”

In messaging, she recommends using narratives that illustrate how I&D work contributes to increasing revenue, reducing costs, and other ROI measures.

Separating I&D From Performance Management

Gregory Nance, head of people at Playworks, has been part of organizations where diversity felt performative rather than authentic, because it wasn’t linked to performance management.

“If it’s not built into goal setting, it doesn’t happen,” Nance said. “Building the work into goal setting places emphasis on the importance of diversity and when the C-suite makes it a priority, it gets done.”

Nance encourages leaders to ask themselves, “Why does diversity and inclusion matter to me?” Then, connect their values to their leadership style, understand why it is good for business and growth, include organizational I&D values in performance management, and develop a narrative that tells that story.

Relying on One-Way or Top-Dwon Communication

True diversity and inclusion only occur when leaders understand how people are experiencing the company culture, invite feedback, and take input seriously. 

“We can’t make assumptions, if we do, we’re just guessing,” Nance said.

Nance urges leaders to build systems to capture employee voices and communicate to them that their voices have been heard and considered in decision-making. 

“Following up earns your credibility,” he added. “If you don’t follow up, you’re doing more damage, and employees won’t talk to you anymore.”

3 Best Practices for Avoiding Communication Missteps

Successful diversity and inclusion communication is about authenticity, comprehensive understanding, and a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for all employees.

These three best practices can help your organization strengthen communication related to diversity initiatives.

1. Connect diversity efforts to business goals and objectives. 

“Track and measure the impact of inclusion and diversity efforts on key business metrics (e.g., profitability, productivity, innovation),” Stovall said. “Use data and compelling narratives to illustrate the ROI.

2. Hold people accountable. 

“Exiting people who do not buy into inclusion and diversity, no matter how well they perform, sends a clear message that the organization takes the work seriously rather than as a check-the-box initiative,” Nance said. 

3. Establish accountability for everyone. 

“Make inclusion relevant for everyone, including people who typically feel left out by connecting it to things everyone is accountable for, such as business outcomes, company values, etc.,” Stovall said.

Nance added, I&D work “is everyone’s responsibility. Too many people say it’s up to HR. It’s up to every employee to be a part of diversity, be responsible for understanding it, and ensure its success in the organization.”


Turning Comittment into Credibility

In today’s charged environment, how organizations communicate about diversity and inclusion matters more than ever. Missteps—whether through vague language, inconsistent leadership, or one-way messaging—can erode trust and derail progress. But with authenticity, accountability, and a clear connection to business goals, companies can reaffirm their commitments in ways that resonate deeply with employees and stakeholders alike. 

No matter where you are in your career, our membership is designed to help you excel as a leader so you can make a lasting impact on both your organization and the future of HR. SHRM membership will help you keep up with the changing demands of HR.

Benefits Solutions
Benefits Trends
Engagement


Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
Our Brands

SHRM Foundation Logo
SHRM Executive Network Logo
CEO Circle Logo
SHRM Business Logo
SHRM Linkage Logo
SHRM Labs
Overview

  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Post a Job
Advocacy

  • Workforce Development
  • Workplace Inclusion
  • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
  • Workplace Governance
  • Workplace Health Care
  • Workplace Immigration
  • State Affairs
  • Global Policy
  • Advocacy Team
  • Take Action
  • Generation Cares
  • The Section 127 Coalition
Member Resources

  • Ask An Advisor
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • SHRM Flagships
  • Topics & Tools
  • Find an HR Job
  • Vendor Directory

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved
SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now