Managers are ill-equipped to deal with workers' mental health concerns, which can increase strains on workers.
Few workplaces have guardrails in place to guide managers on what not to say when addressing mental health issues.
Training can help, but the best advice is to listen and guide employees to appropriate sources of assistance.
Employers are piloting programs to better understand their employee assistance programs, but there is a concern that mental health resources might fall prey to cost-cutting campaigns during downturns.