Mental Health Matters More Than Ever

Mental Health at Work: Breaking the Silent Storm

If you woke up today carrying invisible weight, you're not alone. Mental health conversations are becoming more common, but in many workplaces silence still dominates.

According to Mind Share Partners, 42% of employees worry that speaking up about mental health could hurt their careers. One in four has considered quitting because of it, and 7% already have. Half of employees don’t know how to access their employer’s mental health resources, yet 77% say they feel comfortable when coworkers open up about their own struggles. The contradiction is clear: we are ready to support others, but afraid to ask for help ourselves.

It is estimated that burned-out and disengaged employees can cost $3,400 for every $10,000 of salary due to lack of productivity. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health puts the cost of depression in the workplace at $210.5 billion. And the World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety account for $1 trillion in lost productivity globally. 

The cost isn't just a dollar amount

The cost of that silence is high. OSHA now recognizes mental health as part of workplace safety, noting how chronic stress can lead to physical symptoms like high blood pressure, fatigue, and even injury. When people suffer quietly, we don’t just lose productivity, we lose connection, trust, and sometimes, lives.

Mental health is not a bonus benefit, it’s a safety issue. A productivity issue. A human issue. At Stepo.AI, we believe psychological safety matters. Whether you’re leading a crew or working on the line, your well-being should be protected, supported, and visible.

Asking for help does not make you a failure

The World Health Organization urges us to “Change the Narrative on Suicide” by moving from isolation to openness. Struggling with anxiety or depression doesn’t mean you’re broken. Asking for help does not mean you have failed, it means you’re strong enough to keep going.

If you are in the storm right now, know this: your pain is valid. Needing support is human. The days you survive, when all you do is "show up", are not small. Though these tough days hurt so much, you should be proud of yourself for making it through.

Just Listen

If you’re a leader, friend, or teammate, one simple question can change everything: “How are you really doing?” Sometimes, all people need is someone to talk to. Listen without judgment. Make space for honesty. Every conversation chips away at the stigma.

Start the conversation. Check in. Ask for help. Offer it. Speak honestly.
Silence helps stigma thrive. But your voice, your story, can change that.

If you are in crises, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 mental health help. You are not alone. Help is real. Hope is real. And you are worth fighting for.

At Stepo.AI, supporting the mental health of our team, clients, and users sits at the very heart of our mission.