LEO Series Highlights Mental Health as Key to Safer, Healthier Workplaces — Occupational Health & Safety

LEO Series Highlights Mental Health as Key to Safer, Healthier Workplaces

Three-part webinar series with University of Michigan expert offers strategies to embed mental well-being into workplace culture.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Jun 17, 2025

As mental health challenges continue to affect millions of workers across the U.S., a new workplace initiative is aiming to shift the conversation from awareness to action. This spring, the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) department hosted a three-part webinar series led by Dr. Michelle Kees of the University of Michigan, equipping employers with actionable tools to foster mental well-being at work.

The series, titled “From Awareness to Action: Cultivating a Workplace Culture of Mental Well-Being,” provided participants with practical guidance on reducing stigma, promoting open dialogue, and embedding support structures into daily workplace practices.

Episode 1: The Reality of Mental Health at Work

The first session focused on understanding the prevalence of mental health conditions, dispelling common myths, and addressing how stigma undermines safety and performance in the workplace.

Episode 2: Leaders Lead – Fostering a Culture of Support

The second webinar emphasized the role of leadership in modeling mental wellness and introduced small, practical steps managers can take to normalize mental health conversations and improve team resilience.

Episode 3: Embedding Mental Health into Workplace Culture

The final session offered policy-level strategies, programs, and real-world examples for making mental well-being a core part of company culture, moving beyond awareness toward long-term impact.

Dr. Kees highlighted the need for a systemic approach. “It’s not enough to say mental health matters—organizations must demonstrate it through policies, leadership behavior, and sustained resources,” she said.

Participants were encouraged to provide feedback and continue their learning through resources like slide presentations, recordings, and a dedicated survey.

Upcoming Conference Focuses on Workplace Mental Health

Building on the series, LEO will support the Eisenberg Family Depression Center’s sixth annual Workplace Mental Health Conference, held virtually on August 6, 2025. The half-day event will bring together HR professionals, executives, and mental health advocates to explore practical solutions for building resilient, people-first workplaces.

More information about the conference and tools for supporting young workers and creating safe workplaces can be found at depressioncenter.org and YouthRules.gov.