Ep 245. Supporting Employees Through Mental Health Struggles feat. Matthew Megson

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, Traci sits down with Matthew Megson, an HR professional and mental health advocate, to discuss how HR leaders can better support employees navigating mental health challenges. 

With over 21 years in the field and personal experience living with bipolar disorder, Matthew brings a unique dual perspective, both as someone who has created accommodations and as someone who has needed them.

Together, Traci and Matthew explore the critical need for empathy, the dangers of stigma, and practical strategies for handling mental health disclosures in the workplace. 

This conversation touches on suicide prevention, legal considerations, and how to balance organizational needs with human needs, making it a must-listen for anyone in people leadership.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and personal struggles. Please take care while listening.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support anytime.

Connect with Matthew Megson here:

Website: Accommodation Analyzed

LinkedIn: Matthew Megson on LinkedIn

Connect with Traci:

⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci

Chapters:⁠

00:00 - Intro & Episode Overview

01:45 - Meet Matthew Megson

03:00 - Personal Story: Bipolar Diagnosis & Disclosures

08:30 - Where HR Often Gets It Wrong

14:00 - The Role of Empathy in HR

20:00 - Supporting Employees in Remote Environments

26:00 - What Employees Should Know Before Disclosing

31:00 - Building Better Accommodation Processes

33:00 - Where to Learn More from Matthew

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Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.