New USF Course Tackles Mental Health Issues in the Workplace: Addressing the Growing Concern for a Healthier and More Supportive Workforce.

Mental health issues in the workplace are becoming increasingly prevalent across the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 76% of workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition in 2021. In response to this growing concern, the University of South Florida has launched a new online course called Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace.

The course, developed in collaboration between USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, aims to educate students on how to navigate mental health challenges, build healthy teams, and support employees. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of mental and behavioral issues, including trauma and suicide, which are on the rise.

The importance of understanding and addressing these issues cannot be overstated by Julie Serovich, Dean of USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. “Making a positive impact requires us to address these concerns,” she emphasizes. To that end, the course is free of charge and open to anyone interested in enrolling. It consists of seven sessions lasting two hours each and can be accessed online. Enrollment information can be found on USF’s website for those who want to sign up.

This collaborative effort between USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is an important step towards promoting mental health awareness in the workplace. By providing resources and support during times of crisis, this course is helping working professionals across the nation to better understand their own mental health challenges as well as those faced by their colleagues.