Supporting Anxiety In The Workplace
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting adults in North America
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Approximately 19% of adults experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year.
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A significant portion of employees experience anxiety related to their job roles. For instance, research indicates that 71% of women and 54% of men reported work-related anxiety.
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Workplace stress has been identified as a precipitating factor for diagnosable depression and anxiety in previously healthy young workers.
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70% of employees reported their manager has a significant impact on their mental health—equal to the influence of their spouse or partner, and greater than that of their doctor (51%) or therapist (41%).
- The Workforce Institute
What You'll Learn In This Virtual Workshop
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
12:30 - 1:30 pm Eastern
1:30 - 2:30 pm Atlantic
2:00 - 3:30 pm Newfoundland
This engaging and interactive 1.5 hour virtual session will give you a solid introduction and understanding of anxiety as a leader, manager or workplace mental health advocate.
We'll cover:
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety can have many "faces" - it can present itself in many different ways. We'll begin with a deeper understanding of anxiety and the common ways anxiety can present itself in the workplace (common behaviours).
How to Talk About Anxiety
If our end goal is reducing mental health stigma in the workplace, how can we normalize conversations with our team members about anxiety in a supportive way? How can we approach the subject of anxiety when a team member may not even recognize their own barriers?
Helpful Tools and Strategies
We'll give you helpful tools and strategies to both reduce anxiety at work and support those experiencing anxiety in the workplace. From general anxiety to panic attacks, we'll talk about evidence based options so you feel equipped when needed.
Learn From Our Experts
Christine Rossi-Wright (she/her)
B.Ed, MSW, RSW
Christine is a Registered Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and psychotherapist. She owns Wholeness Within Counselling where she supports those experiencing stress and anxiety. Christine is also a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer and aims to create helpful educational content that reduces stigma around mental health. She lives in Ontario, Canada.
Alison Butler (she/her)
B.Comm, MER
Alison is a workplace mental health trainer with 20 years of experiences teaching employees and leadership teams. She holds a Masters in Employment Relations, is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer and hods a certificate in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University. She lives in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and works globally.
Top 6 Reasons
for anxiety awareness in the workplace
1. Enhance Employee Performance
Anxiety can significantly impair an employee's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and maintain productivity. Studies have shown that work-related stress and anxiety can lead to decreased job performance and increased absenteeism. By addressing anxiety proactively, organizations can improve overall employee performance and reduce turnover rates.
4. Positive Organizational Culture
Addressing anxiety openly helps in creating a culture of trust and openness. Employees are more likely to seek help and support when they know their organization prioritizes mental health. This cultural shift can lead to improved teamwork, higher morale, and a more resilient workforce.
2. Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing
A supportive work environment plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health. Employees who feel understood and supported are more likely to experience improved well-being, leading to increased motivation and engagement. Research indicates that when employees are psychologically healthy, they tend to be more productive and satisfied with their work.
5. Improve Team Dynamics and Morale
Managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and employee well-being. Research shows that almost 70% of employees say their manager has as much impact on their mental health as their spouse. By training leaders to recognize and support employees experiencing anxiety, organizations can improve communication, team dynamics, and overall workplace morale.g.
3. Talent Retention
In a competitive job market, organizations that prioritize mental health are more attractive to top talent. Employees are increasingly seeking workplaces that value their well-being. By supporting mental health, companies not only retain their current workforce but also attract new talent, leading to sustained organizational success.
6. Innovation and Success
When employees feel psychologically safe and supported, they are more likely to take risks, share ideas, and engage in creative problem-solving. Anxiety and fear of judgment can stifle innovation, while a culture of understanding fosters a more open and forward-thinking workplace. Research highlights that psychological safety is a key driver of innovation and business success.