It is not enough to have a workplace safety program or workplace violence policy. Organizations need a powerful employer-driven mental wellness response to fit the needs of the people who work for them. Organizations are now building better, more trauma-informed workplaces that are also more equipped to deal with the new COVID19 pandemic and other potential stress sources.

As a group, people with mental illness struggle with the discrimination they encounter in the workplace and home. There are too many myths and stereotypes about mental illness that create a sense of confusion among employees and employers. Organizations that treat their employees and workers like humans and not just commodities need to do some soul searching to change their perspective if they want to create policies and programs that will truly be helpful. It seems that some employers are resistant to the notion that employers have a responsibility to make workplaces safer for everyone in the building, but that’s no reason for employers to continue existing in dangerous environments without having adequate workplace mental health policies in place.