Mental health is something everyone talks about, but how many of us actually listen? It feels like an elephant in the room — everyone knows it's there, but few give it the attention it deserves. I bet you've heard lines like "cheer up" or "just relax, don't stress" — and let's be honest, they're about as helpful as telling someone with a broken arm to go jogging. That's exactly where stigma creeps in, and what I think we need most right now is fewer clichés and more genuine care.
Did you know the WHO estimates that 15% of working-age adults face mental health challenges? Talking about it isn't enough — I believe we need to act. Cosmetic fixes, like renaming an HR department "People Team," won't change anything if nothing actually shifts in practice.
Before we're "employees" or "resources," we're people. Mental health may not be as visible as a physical illness, but its effects run just as deep — it can even impact physical health and performance. Demanding productivity without offering support is both ineffective and inhumane. Too many companies still treat people like cogs in a machine rather than individuals, and while I see progress, it's slow.
Here's how I think about it: of 24 hours in a day, about eight go to work — a third of our time. Once you subtract sleep and basic needs, those eight hours matter even more. That's why feeling valued and respected at work isn't a nice-to-have — it's essential. Freedom, trust, and flexibility make all the difference: can I pick my kids up from school without worrying about "clocking out"? Can I work from home when I'm not feeling well? These small things shape our mental health and happiness at work.
I love a good team outing as much as anyone, but let's be real — fun perks don't solve deeper problems. They're a band-aid on a wound that needs real attention. What actually builds lasting wellbeing and sustainable productivity is a workplace where people feel supported every day, not just entertained occasionally.
At my company, this is something I try to put into practice: stable contracts and partnerships with financially solid businesses to build a sense of security, a flat structure where engineering managers work embedded within teams, and a startup mentality where everyone's voice is heard. I also care deeply about diversity and inclusion — gender equality, multiple nationalities and religions represented — because I see that diversity as key to fighting stigma. And yes, comfort matters too: snacks, massages, padel, and soon, nutrition workshops.
But for me, mental health support has to go beyond perks. It means thinking carefully about health insurance that covers mental health, and offering real, ongoing support day to day. I know we can't fix everything, but I try to create an environment built on genuine care and respect.
So — when was the last time you checked in on your own mental health? It's okay not to be okay, and there's no shame in seeking professional help. As Michelle Obama put it in 2015, "seeking help is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign of strength." I think that's worth remembering.
Luísa Figueiras
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