U-M’s philosophy
What is U-M’s Philosophy about mental and emotional health in the workplace?
The University of Michigan seeks to provide work experiences and a work environment that promote personal and professional growth. We strive to provide a positive, productive and supportive work environment in which we function as a team not only to accomplish our work, but also to assure that the work process itself is fair, respectful, supportive and stimulating. We rely on staff and faculty at all levels to exhibit and foster workplace behaviors that respect and capitalize on individual differences and result in optimal individual and work-group functioning.
We recognize that even in a work environment that seeks to enhance employee emotional and mental health, some employees will experience problems that negatively impact their functioning. For some individuals these problems are experienced as mild to moderate disruptions in their lives; for others they constitute major mental health problems. While employees are responsible for assuring the quality of their work and maintaining their own mental health, we believe that the best outcomes can be achieved through cooperation, communication, and understanding.
Our approach is based on three core beliefs:
- Knowledge about mental health problems and substance misuse, relevant federal legislation, and University policies and practices is essential for understanding and effectively addressing mental health and substance misuse problems in the workplace.
- Open communication and consultation provide the best opportunity to understand complex situations and resolve individual and workplace problems. In addition to (and sometimes before) talking with your supervisor, you might find it helpful to consult with the expert resource personnel provided by the University, including Human Resources representatives (HR), counselors in the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) or University of Michigan Health System Employee Assistance Program (UMHS EAP), the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), Work~Connections representatives (W~C), Mediation Services for Faculty and Staff, the Faculty Ombuds and (if applicable) the Department Of Transportation Coordinator in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH).
- If left unrecognized or untreated, mental health problems may increase in severity, compounding problems for the employee and the work unit. Therefore, we urge early intervention to minimize potential problems for you and your work unit.
