Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Honors Designation
na
Program of Study
Communication - Corporate Communication
Language
English
First Advisor
Minna Logemann
Second Advisor
Caryn Medved
Abstract
This research paper will discuss the importance of mental health and work-related stress, increasing in today's adult population. Employees are more vocal about their challenges with depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and anxiety. Many big corporations like Google and LinkedIn have supported mental health causes in their organizations and discussed coping methods on different platforms. Even though this kind of help breaks down the stigma around this issue, unfortunately, it is not enough to make employees in the corporate world feel safe to talk about mental health at work. Also, mental health stigma makes the environment hostile for those who speak out. One of the common problems many employees cope with is an anxiety-centered disorder that has become more widespread during the pandemic. The requirement of social distancing has been implemented worldwide and has increased the prominence of these kinds of mental health conditions. Even though social distancing saves lives, it also increases social anxiety because of people not being able to socialize. Thus, this research aims to discuss and analyze the stigmatization framework around mental illness in the corporate world. This study has two objectives: focus on the context of stigmatization of mental health, where this study will explain the underlying perceptions and second, the implications of mental health conditions in the workplace and the HR’s role in portraying the wellness program practices in the company. I have conducted single-method quantitative analysis for the empirical research and collected my data with a survey questionnaire. This research project analyzes various themes and adds more knowledge to the existing literature. Some of the findings emphasize the significance of organizational culture and management support to better approach mental health issues and wellness programs in the workplace. Moreover, the research shed light on entry-level employees in the concealing of mental health issues due to a lack of open-door opportunities. Upper management needs more training to understand and recognize the early stages of mental health issues in the workplace. My research findings also provide implications for corporations to create and manage employees' mental health issues and different wellness programs.
Recommended Citation
Chowdhury, Sumiya, "The Stigmatization of Mental Health and Wellness Programs in the Corporate World" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/137
