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Why do so many employees stay silent when they’re struggling—even when their company has a mental health program? Mental health advocate Craig Semple explains why written policies, company emails, and promises of support are not enough. Employees must genuinely trust that asking for help will not threaten their job, reputation, or future. In this segment from From The Ground Up Show, Craig and Erick Loden…
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Why do so many employees stay silent when they’re struggling—even when their company has a mental health program?
Mental health advocate Craig Semple explains why written policies, company emails, and promises of support are not enough. Employees must genuinely trust that asking for help will not threaten their job, reputation, or future.
In this segment from From The Ground Up Show, Craig and Erick Loden discuss how leaders can create a workplace mental health program that employees will actually use—especially in construction, mining, law enforcement, manufacturing, the military, and other traditionally tough workplace cultures.
Craig also shares the story of a young coal miner who was terrified that admitting he needed help would cost him the work that was keeping him going. What happened after Craig accompanied him to speak with his manager demonstrates the difference the right leadership and workplace culture can make.
In this conversation:
• Why employees are afraid to disclose mental health struggles
• Why policies alone cannot create psychological safety
• How leaders earn trust through visible action
• The connection between employee wellbeing and productivity
• How workplace culture can encourage—or prevent—people from seeking help
• What happened when one coal miner finally approached his managerA mental health program only works when employees believe they will be supported after they speak up.
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