California’s approach to workplace mental health: Voluntary standards explained
California Wildfires have highlighted the need for workplace mental health support. Learn about the voluntary standards guiding employers to address employee wellbeing.
California’s devastating wildfires have left many residents grappling with emotional and mental health challenges. For employees, workplaces can play a crucial role in supporting recovery during difficult times.
To help employers address mental health in the workplace, the California Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) has developed voluntary standards that provide guidance on fostering supportive environments, reducing stigma, and improving access to care.
These voluntary standards focus on five key areas: leadership involvement, workplace culture, access to services, crisis response, and continuous improvement. While not legally required, they offer employers valuable tools to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.
Voluntary Standards for Mental Health in the Workplace
In 2018, Senate Bill 1113 directed the Commission to develop guidelines for promoting mental health in workplaces. The resulting voluntary standards address key areas of workplace mental health, including leadership involvement, workplace culture, access to services, crisis preparation, and evaluation.
"The Commission developed five voluntary standards that organizations may adopt to support the mental health of their employees. The standards can help organizations create policies and processes to address mental health in the workplace in ways that meet employee needs." -CBH
Key Areas of Focus
- Leadership and Organizational Commitment
Employers are encouraged to prioritize mental health at the leadership level by dedicating resources and appointing senior leaders to champion mental health initiatives. As the Commission notes, “Leadership buy-in and meaningful organizational commitment are critical for workplace mental health initiatives to have lasting and wide-ranging impact.” - Positive Workplace Culture
A supportive work environment is essential for mental health. Employers are encouraged to establish practices that reduce stigma and normalize discussions about mental health challenges. Examples include offering flexible work arrangements, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering open communication. - Access to Services
While not required, employers are encouraged to provide tools and services that enable employees to access mental health care. These may include virtual mental health services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and resources tailored to employees’ diverse needs. - Crisis Preparation and Response
The guidelines recommend that employers develop crisis response plans to support employees during high-stress situations. This includes ensuring access to aftercare services and suicide prevention resources. - Measurement and Continuous Improvement
Employers are encouraged to track key metrics related to mental health, such as EAP utilization and employee satisfaction, and use this data to adjust and improve mental health initiatives over time.
What These Standards Mean for Employees
While these standards are voluntary, they offer a framework for employees to understand what their workplace can do to support mental health. For instance, employees may ask about available resources, such as EAPs or mental health training programs, and discuss how their organization addresses mental health stigma.
The standards also highlight the importance of equity in mental health care. Tailoring services to employees’ unique backgrounds and roles, such as providing culturally competent care, is a key recommendation.
Understanding Your Options as an Employee
Although California does not mandate these standards, employees who feel unsupported may benefit from raising awareness within their workplace or advocating for mental health initiatives. Employers who adopt these guidelines can create environments that promote employee wellbeing, improve morale, and reduce stigma.
What to Do if Your Employer Doesn’t Uphold the Voluntary Standards
Since these mental health standards are voluntary, some employers may not prioritize their implementation. If you feel unsupported in your workplace, there are steps you can take to advocate for better mental health policies and protect your wellbeing:
- Raise Awareness Internally
Start by having a conversation with HR or a trusted supervisor. Share information about the voluntary standards and explain how adopting them could benefit employees and the organization as a whole. Highlight resources like the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission’s website for reference. - Request Accommodations
If you’re experiencing a mental health condition that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These might include flexible work hours, remote work options, or additional mental health support. - Leverage Employee Resources
If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other mental health benefits, make sure you understand what’s available. If such programs are not offered, suggest their implementation to HR. - Seek External Support
If internal advocacy doesn’t lead to change, you can consult external resources. Organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) can provide guidance if your mental health concerns are tied to discrimination or lack of accommodations. - Engage in Peer Advocacy
Encourage your colleagues to advocate for mental health initiatives collectively. A unified voice from employees can often prompt employers to take action.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, these resources are available to provide support:
- Personas que hablan español, llamen a the Lifeline al 988.
- For teens, call the TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 or text TEEN to 839863.
- For veterans, call the Lifeline at 988 and press 1.
- For LGBTQ youth, call The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
- For transgender people, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.
- For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call the Lifeline at 800-799-4889.
- For law enforcement personnel, call the COPLINE at 800-267-5463.
- For other first responders, call the Fire/EMS Helpline at 888-731-FIRE (3473).
- CalHOPE, delivering crisis support for communities impacted by a national disaster. Call toll-free (833) 317-4673.
