This section of the toolkit focuses on human-centered development—equipping your leaders and managers with the skills to identify needs, lead with empathy, and dismantle the stigma that prevents employees from seeking help.

Training & Development Materials

I. Manager Training Modules: The "First Responders"

Managers are often the first to notice changes in employee performance or behavior. These modules equip them to move from observation to support.

  • Recognizing the Signs of Distress: Training on how to identify symptoms of burnout, withdrawal, unusual irritability, or decreased engagement in team members.
  • Leading Supportive Conversations: Techniques for conducting "check-ins" using active listening and "I statements" to offer help without overstepping legal or personal boundaries.
  • Mental Health First Aid: Evidence-based training that teaches managers how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Diversity & Inclusion in Mental Health: Understanding culturally competent care and the unique stressors faced by different demographic groups within the Ohio workforce.

II. Leadership Development Resources

Effective mental health programs start with a clear, visible commitment from the top.

  • The Executive Champion Model: Resources for senior leaders on how to openly champion mental health to create a culture of psychological safety.
  • Strategic Vision Setting: Guidance on creating written policies that treat mental health with the same priority as physical health and safety.
  • ROI & Sustainability Training: Understanding how proactive mental health strategies serve as a crucial metric for business sustainability and talent retention.
  • Establishing Open-Door Policies: Frameworks for leaders to normalize mental health discussions in everyday work life, reducing the fear of reprisal.

III. Stigma Reduction Campaigns

Stigma remains the single greatest barrier to employees seeking treatment, often causing delays of 8 to 10 years.

  • The "Stigma-Free Workplace" Statement: A template for a company-wide declaration of commitment to a supportive, judgment-free environment.
  • Inclusive Language Guide: A "Do/Don't Say" tool to help staff replace stigmatizing terms with person-first language (e.g., using "person with a substance use disorder" instead of "addict").
  • Internal Communication Kits: Ready-to-use materials for newsletters and digital displays that normalize help-seeking and promote company benefits like EAPs.
  • Case Study Highlight: Barclays’ "This is Me" Campaign — A model for leadership-driven campaigns that successfully reduced stigma and increased program utilization without additional costs.

IV. Implementation Tools for Your Team

For immediate use, managers and leaders can download these practical guides directly from our library:

Resource Library Connection

Looking for more specialized training? Our Resource Library contains the full suite of Mercy Health Tip Sheets and links to free training opportunities through state partners like Project DAWN and the Health Action Alliance.

Resource Library