Whether it's you, a teammate, or your manager, most of us struggle at some point - and adjust in our own ways. The goal at work isn't to have perfect answers or to tiptoe around the subject. It's to make empathy and openness normal, so people don't feel they have to hide what they're going through, and colleagues don't feel they're walking on eggshells.
That starts with empathy. Conversations about wellbeing have become a real part of working life, and Harvard Business Review has noted how heavily the events of recent years have weighed on people's mental health. The workplace can either add to that weight or help lift it - and small, everyday choices make the difference.
Why this matters
Silence has a cost. The American Psychiatric Association has found that only about half of employees feel comfortable discussing mental health at work. When people don't feel safe being honest, they carry their struggles alone, and teams lose the chance to support one another. Making it a little easier to talk - without pressure or judgment - benefits everyone.
Three ways to support mental health at work
Make talking about wellbeing normal. Whether it's a back problem, seasonal allergies, or simply feeling off, treating health as an ordinary topic helps remove the stigma around it. You don't need to overshare; even small signals that it's okay to be human go a long way. Leading by example - a manager mentioning they're having a tough week - gives others permission to be honest too.
Support, don't try to "fix." When someone opens up, the instinct is often to jump to solutions. Usually, what helps most is simply listening and showing you care. You don't need the right answer - presence matters more than advice. When it feels appropriate, you can gently point someone toward the right support, whether that's your company's resources or a mental health professional, rather than trying to carry it yourself.
Focus on the person, not just the details. When you're truly listening rather than just hearing, you pick up on how someone is doing overall, not only the specifics of what they're saying. A genuine "how are you, really?" and the patience to hear the answer can mean more than you realize.
Know where the line is
Supporting a colleague doesn't mean becoming their therapist. The most helpful thing you can offer is empathy, a willingness to listen, and a nudge toward proper support when it's needed. Respect people's privacy, don't push anyone to share more than they want to, and avoid trying to diagnose - that's not your role, and that's okay. Knowing your organization's resources, like an employee assistance program, means you can point people in the right direction when the moment calls for it. If you or someone you work with is struggling, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is always a good step.
Small acts, real impact
You don't have to handle mental health conversations perfectly to make a difference. Consistent, genuine empathy - checking in, listening without judgment, and treating wellbeing as a normal part of work - is what makes a team feel safe. Stop walking on eggshells, and start making space for people to be human.
