An Exploratory Study of How Millennials Approach and Communicate Mental Health in the Workplace

Author

Johanna I. Seitenbach, CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Winter 12-11-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Honors Designation

na

Program of Study

Communication - Corporate Communication

Language

English

First Advisor

Stephen Dishart

Second Advisor

Caryn Medved

Abstract

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. As more millennials take on leadership positions, it is important to understand how companies are currently addressing mental health in the workplace and compare this to how millennials approach the subject. The quantitative analysis completed through this study helped to determine what a mentally healthy workplace looks and feels like for millennials. Companies are increasingly investing in mental health initiatives for several reasons: to increase brand recognition, to improve company culture, to mitigate potential lawsuits, and to increase employee engagement and retention. This survey assessed how influential company mental health initiatives are in their ability and potential to attract, engage, and inspire the millennial workforce. The three key findings obtained from the research are: 1. Communications needs to be at the forefront of every corporate mental health strategy, 2. One size does NOT fit all corporate mental health programs, and 3. A corporate mental health strategy must feed into the organization’s overall business strategy. In the end, a company’s mental health strategy is only effective if it is being utilized and if it produces an open, stigma-free culture.

Recommended Citation

Seitenbach, Johanna I., "An Exploratory Study of How Millennials Approach and Communicate Mental Health in the Workplace" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/91