Bridge the Mental Health Gap: How HR Managers Can Support Minority Mental Health

Did you know that 50% of White adults report fair/poor mental health care, compared to 39% of Black and 33% of Hispanic adults?

This stark gap in access highlights the unique challenges many minorities face in seeking mental health support. If you are part of your company’s HR leadership, now is the perfect time to take meaningful action – during Minority Mental Health Month!

How do you foster a workplace where everyone feels understood, supported, and valued?

Take a look at our five useful strategies to enhance mental health and wellness support for your minority team members:

Provide diversity and inclusion training to educate staff on cultural competence and unconscious bias. When employees see their identities and experiences reflected within the workplace, they feel safer and more supported.

Not all mental health services address the unique challenges minority employees face. Partner with services like empac, an employee assistance program in Wichita, KS, which focuses on culturally aware employee counseling services. Highlight your company’s participation when recruiting new staff to show your commitment to accessible care.

Normalize discussions about mental health at work. Encourage leadership to share their own wellness journeys and host events during Minority Mental Health Month to spotlight the importance of the team’s mental well-being. Create opportunities for employees to engage in open dialogue without fear of judgment or retribution.

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in mental health support. Assess the unique needs of your workforce through an anonymous survey or focus group. Use this feedback to improve offerings, whether it’s reaching out to our EAP counselors in Wichita or wellness webinars designed to address diverse experiences.