Walmart launches major initiative to support employee mental health

Walmart is launching a major mental health education and support effort for its employees as the United States grapples with a behavioral health crisis.

The retail giant, which has nearly 1.6 million workers in the United States alone, on Monday announced a new “workplace mental health course” that will focus on teaching leaders and Walmart managers how to handle someone with behavioral health issues. The course will be led by clinicians from Lyra Health, a company known for educating about mental health risks in the workplace.

Walmart wants to “engage appropriately and empathetically with someone who may be struggling with a mental health issue,” Walmart human resources director Donna Morris said in a memo to company executives. , including campus associates at the executive level and above in the retailer’s markets and regions. .

“Some of our leaders already had the opportunity to participate in a sample course earlier this year, and we are excited to begin offering these one-hour sessions to a wider audience – institution, field and campus office. “, said Morris. “This new Mental Health in the Workplace course is the next step in our ongoing journey to support the emotional well-being of our associates.”

The new course builds on the mental health training and support Walmart has already offered its employees, such as 24-hour access to free virtual counseling and care with licensed psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. .

This effort also comes as workplace violence is on the rise.

Last year, Walmart found the company’s name in headlines about an employee’s mental health issue that turned out to be fatal in a workplace shooting. Later, a Virginia woman who survived the shooting at a Walmart store that killed six employees sued the retailer, saying she had filed a formal complaint about the shooter and his danger to his co-workers. Still, Walmart kept him employed, the suit says. The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Walmart says its initiative is not tied to a specific issue, citing statistics the company says show more than 20% of American adults have mental health issues.

Meanwhile, Lyra Health called Walmart’s effort “groundbreaking.”

“Walmart leaders are uniquely positioned to spot signs of distress and this course will help them learn to identify signs that might indicate someone needs support in a time when mental distress is prevalent,” said said Lyra Health’s Senior Director of Workforce Transformation. Dr. Joe Grasso, said. “Importantly, the course also provides managers with step-by-step guidance on how to have a normalizing and empathetic conversation, with the ultimate goal of referring to appropriate resources. By rolling out this course, Walmart is taking the lead in fostering a mentally healthy workplace culture, destigmatizing mental health issues, and ensuring people have access to the care they need when they need it. .

“That’s why supporting the health and well-being of our associates is a top priority for us, and these new offerings are just part of the full suite of resources we’re providing our associates to support their well-being. be physical, mental and financial.” said a Walmart spokesperson. “We want our associates and their families to have access to mental health resources to help them manage stressors, build resilience and to get care if and when they need it.These new mental health benefits are the next step in our ongoing journey to focus on the emotional well-being of our associates.