The establishment of the Mental Health and Employment Working Group was applauded by Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams at a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The working group aims to identify policies, plans and practices to address and support workers’ mental health needs in the country's cities, according to a Sept. 16 U.S. Labor Department news release.
“We’re pleased to call the U.S. Conference of Mayors a partner in the State Exchange on Employment and Disability initiative and look forward to the knowledge-sharing and collaboration that the Mental Health and Employment Working Group will foster,” Williams said in the release.
Since 2020, more adults have reported having anxiety and depressive symptoms, the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics reported, according to the release. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also observed an increase in the proportion of individuals experiencing lingering symptoms form the COVID-19 pandemic such as stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.
“When it comes to mental health, America’s workplaces have a critical role to play. That’s why we at the Labor Department are committed to helping employers – including state and local public-secto agencies – understand the steps they can take to promote mental health-friendly work environments,” Williams said, according to the release.
