USF to offer course targeted at mental health in the workplace

The University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Services, in conjunction with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has created a free online course that tackles mental health in the workplace.

The seven-session class, titled Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace, is intended for both managers and employees, according to a news release. It covers symptoms of some of the most common mental and behavioral disorders, how to identify behaviors that might suggest an impairment and how to approach an employee. It will also include information on available resources to help businesses attract and retain top talent.

“Every year businesses lose billions of dollars due to mental and behavioral health issues experienced by members of their workforce or their family members,” states Julie Serovich, dean of the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, in the release. “These financial losses can be attributed to absenteeism, a decrease in productivity and medical claims. In addition, there are considerable reputational repercussions due to high employee turnover, job dissatisfaction and poor morale. Identifying workers at all levels of an organization with mental or behavioral health issues and securing assistance for them is essential.”

Beginning June 12, the release states, a new two-hour course session will be released each week, with all sessions becoming available at the end of July. The sessions feature speakers from organizations and corporations across the country, such as Tampa Electric, Bealls and USAA, as well as executive coaches, intervention specialists and several USF faculty and staff members who have an expertise in mental health and human resources.

“There’s no question that the past several years have had an incredible impact on the mental health and well-being of the more than 160 million people in the U.S. workforce,” states Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, in the release. “Major events — from the pandemic to social unrest and now financial uncertainty — have taken their toll on our communities. Now, more than ever before, it is critical that we build healthy organizational cultures to protect workforce well-being, while at the same time acknowledging the economic impact mental and behavioral health issues can have on a business.”

Registration for the course is free and open to the public. Click here for more information and to sign up.