New research by The Hartford and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found Black workers face greater barriers to mental health support in the U.S. workplace compared with their White, Hispanic and Asian American colleagues.
According to the new research, Black workers were more likely to rate their mental health as “fair/poor” and were less likely to say their employer offered empathetic leadership and a work environment that encouraged dialogue concerning mental health. Black American workers were also more likely to say they had difficulty in discussing mental health in the workplace because of their race/ethnicity, cultural background and gender identity, and they added they were more likely than White to experience the issues that exacerbate mental health stress including exclusion, workplace hostility and discrimination.
“All Americans deserve safe, supportive and mentally healthy work environments,” said The Hartford”™s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift. “By sharing data that illustrates the intersection of mental health and people”™s identities, we strive to promote empathy and equity in more workplaces. It is vital that companies continue to break down stigma and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, we can make a difference and improve the lives of millions of U.S. employees and their families.”
