Do employees feel comfortable talking to HR about mental health?

“These findings suggest that strong supervisor relationships do not automatically translate into psychological safety,” the report read. “Employees may trust their managers professionally, but many still hesitate to discuss their personal challenges.”

Trust is the single factor that determines whether employees open up about their struggles and use the benefits that are available to them, the report said.

“Ultimately, building trust requires deliberate, ongoing effort – including manager training, clearer mental health policies, and open conversations to normalise wellbeing discussions,” the report read.

Practical strategies for employers

The findings come amid persisting mental health challenges in the workplace, according to the whitepaper.

It found that women and younger employees report lower overall mental health at work, and are also less comfortable discussing these issues.