In Brief:
(1) Mental health is a bigger issue following the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Ask potential employers about mental health benefits, employee assistance programs and time off during the interview. (3) Research the company’s mental health policies before the interview and note red flags.
Mental health has become a growing concern in recent years. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that COVID-19 caused mental harm in addition to physical health damage. Pre-pandemic, only 10% of U.S. adults reported anxiety and depression symptoms. That figure increased to 40% by the beginning of 2021.
Workplace difficulties can exacerbate mental health concerns, so it is important to work for a company that values mental health care. Here are tips for how to mention mental health during the hiring process.
Mental Health Questions for the Job Interview
Gauge the company’s feelings on mental health by asking about provided resources. Start by asking whether they offer mental health benefits or employee assistance programs (EAP). Some companies also offer mental health or mindfulness app access.
Also, ask whether the company allows time off for mental health. A mental health-conscious company will allow you the time needed for your well-being without much questioning.
“I would also ask more about the culture. Is it something where mental health is talked about in the culture, and how do they think about mental health issues in the workplace? And even how do they think about emotional health? Instead of [using language like] mental health, [the job seeker] could talk about mental wellness or emotional well-being. Sometimes those terms are a bit less loaded and maybe a little better for those first interviews.”
— Bill Belanger is the founder and CEO of Healbright, a platform that offers mental health programs.
Investigating a Company’s Mental Health Policies
Many companies are open about their mental health policies online, so research before going into the interview. The mental health benefits could be on their website or highlighted on social media.
Research higher-ups in the company to understand their views on the topic. A mental health-friendly CEO could indicate a mental health-friendly culture.
Search for concrete actions the company takes rather than the promises it makes in social media posts. The job posting can also provide clues into the company’s mental health attitudes.
“I think it’s important when you’re looking at the job posting to look for certain language that can tell you what the expectations of the position will be. So for example, some will say ‘We need somebody who can deal with a fast-paced environment,’ which is typically coded language for high stress and potentially high burnout… Is there language that can clue you in that perhaps work-life balance is off or that the expectations may be for you to work outside of traditional business hours?”
— Nidhi Tewari is a therapist and mental health keynote speaker.
Mental Health Red Flags
Take note of negative or passive-aggressive reactions to mental health questions in the interview. Also, watch for signs the company might have a high-stress culture, like expecting you to answer calls outside of business hours.
“If mental wellness is important to [the job seeker] and they don’t get a good impression, I think they should listen to that. If [the company doesn’t] offer mental health benefits or a good EAP, I think that’s a little bit of a red flag. It indicates it’s something they haven’t really thought about. And even more than that, it’s the culture. Is this a culture where emotions will be treated with respect and where there’s healthy communication? Those types of things are going to be much better for somebody’s mental health… So I would tell somebody that’s interviewing to trust their gut.”
— Belanger
Should You Disclose a Mental Illness?
The hiring process is not often the best time to disclose a mental illness. However, exceptions exist, such as when the illness affects day-to-day life. The decision to disclose is highly personal and depends on the individual’s circumstances and position.
“I think it’s important to talk about mental health when it’s relevant. So if, for example, you started a position, you notice that you have major depressive disorder and you’re having some of those symptoms come up, you’re going to want to have that conversation with your boss before the issue gets exacerbated. But in the interview process, unless it’s relevant to the conversation, you may not feel like it’s necessary to disclose your mental health condition at that stage.”
— Tewari
This article was written on September 29th, 2o22 by Lora Korpar for Linkedin.com
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