USF to offer course targeted at mental health in the workplace

The University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Services, in conjunction with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has created a free online course that tackles mental health in the workplace.

The seven-session class, titled Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace, is intended for both managers and employees, according to a news release. It covers symptoms of some of the most common mental and behavioral disorders, how to identify behaviors that might suggest an impairment and how to approach an employee. It will also include information on available resources to help businesses attract and retain top talent.

“Every year businesses lose billions of dollars due to mental and behavioral health issues experienced by members of their workforce or their family members,” states Julie Serovich, dean of the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, in the release. “These financial losses can be attributed to absenteeism, a decrease in productivity and medical claims. In addition, there are considerable reputational repercussions due to high employee turnover, job dissatisfaction and poor morale. Identifying workers at all levels of an organization with mental or behavioral health issues and securing assistance for them is essential.”