Combatting Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace: USF Launches Free Online Course

Mental health issues in the workplace are becoming increasingly common nationwide, with 76% of workers reporting at least one symptom of a mental health condition in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In response to this growing concern, the University of South Florida has launched a new online course called Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace.

The course, offered for free, covers topics such as recognizing mental and behavioral issues, building healthy teams, and supporting employees. Over 4,500 working professionals from top companies in the U.S. and around the world enrolled in its first year. The collaboration between the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences aims to provide participants with knowledge and resources to navigate mental health challenges at work.

Dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Julie Serovich, emphasized the importance of addressing issues like trauma and suicide, which are increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced work environment. She believes that by providing tools and resources for managing mental health and wellness in the workplace, individuals can make a positive impact on their workplaces and help create a more supportive environment for all employees.

The seven-session course is open to the public and each session lasts for two hours. Participants can enroll to learn how to effectively manage mental health and wellness in their workplaces. By taking this step towards making a difference, individuals can play an important role in addressing mental health challenges head-on