Michigan launches new program to boost workplace mental health — employers can sign up now

LEADS program cements the state as a national leader in advancing mental health at work, helping small businesses build stronger, more resilient teams

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Labor Division launched LEADS (Learn, Educate, Act, Deploy, Study), a new statewide program that helps employers assess and improve mental health and well-being in the workplace. LEADS is a structured, evidence-based model that helps employers strengthen workplace mental health through education, engagement and measurable change.  

“Keeping workers healthy — physically and mentally — is good for our families, our businesses and our economy,” said Susan Corbin, LEO Director. “Michigan is proud to lead the way in showing how mental health belongs at the center of workplace safety and success.”

LEO is recruiting employers now to enroll in the four-month pilot, which will begin in early 2026. The program will engage small- and mid-sized employers across Michigan, with a focus on those in areas of high socioeconomic needs. Participating organizations will complete assessments, receive expert-led training and implement workplace strategies to enhance communication, safety and support. 

Employers participating in the program will designate a LEADS Champion to coordinate efforts, review policies and ensure mental health remains an ongoing organizational priority. The model emphasizes continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation, helping businesses measure progress and outcomes.

LEADS is part of LEO’s Healthy Work Healthy Mind initiative to support workplace mental health across the state. The initiative is setting a new national standard for workplace mental health by combining education, research and real-world action.

“Healthy Work Healthy Mind represents our next evolution in supporting working people and employers as they address the challenges of mental health in the workplace,” said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan. “Over the past three years, we’ve built a strong foundation through research, education and collaboration. Now, with LEADS, we’re taking the next step — turning knowledge into action.”  

Healthy Work Healthy Mind hosts monthly webinars, coordinates expert speakers across the state, publishes a comprehensive statewide report on workplace mental health and drives ongoing efforts that connect employers with tools and best practices to reduce workplace stress and improve resilience. The program proves that when Michigan invests in people’s mental health, the entire business community grows stronger.

LEO began its focused efforts on workplace mental health following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2022 State of the State address, which called for expanded attention to mental health across Michigan communities.

A Statewide Collaboration to Advance Workplace Mental Health 

Development of the LEADS program is supported by a $1 million statewide collaboration including program facilitation by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) and funded by LEO. This research focused pilot will deliver and evaluate the impact of intervention training and tools to ensure lasting change and impact for employers and employees.  

Among the partners developing LEADS are the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, Dr. Michelle Kees with the University of Michigan’s Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Family Depression Center, Dr. Michelle Kaminski with Michigan State University’s School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, and Dr. Ashley Nixon with Willamette University.

“CSW is thrilled to be a part of this initiative and are grateful for the opportunity to share successful practices with private sector employers in Michigan,” said Kysha Wright Frazier, President and CEO of CSW.

In addition, LEO’s efforts continue to have ongoing support from the Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM).

Together, these partners help Michigan employers and employees — from small businesses to large corporations — strengthen workplace culture, improve employee well-being and enhance productivity and retention.

"Michigan manufacturers know that a healthy, resilient workforce is the foundation of our state’s competitiveness and the includes supporting our employees and their mental health as strongly as their physical safety,” said David Worthams, Director of Employment Policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The new LEADS initiative is an important step in giving employers practical tools and resources to foster workplaces where people can thrive on and off the job.”

The Healthy Work Healthy Mind initiative draws heavily on research around brain science, stress and resilience. Chronic workplace stress is associated with chronic diseases that are major causes of morbidity and mortality for many Americans including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety, among others. LEO’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of workplace stress — from excessive workloads and unpredictable schedules to discrimination and harassment — while building supportive environments where workers can thrive.

“Construction workers experience one of the highest suicide rates in the country — a crisis that demands action,” said Steve Claywell, Secretary Treasurer of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. “That’s why I’ve welcomed LEO to speak at our conferences and to our members: their work is saving lives. LEADS is another powerful step forward. It gives workers and contractors the tools to recognize stress, support each other and build jobsites where mental health is treated as a core part of safety. Every worker deserves to go home healthy, mentally and physically.”

LEO’s workplace mental health efforts align with Michigan’s broader economic and equity goals by helping employers retain healthy, engaged workers and address labor shortages. Research shows that investments in mental health yield strong returns — with studies finding a $4 return for every $1 spent on mental health programs and significant reductions in burnout and turnover.

Michigan employers, workforce partners and community leaders are encouraged to take the next step in strengthening mental health at work by exploring the full range of tools offered through Healthy Work Healthy Mind — including research, webinars, statewide events, best-practice guides and opportunities to participate in the new LEADS pilot.

Participation in the LEADS pilot is voluntary and fully funded by LEO. To access resources, sign up for updates, or learn how to get involved, visit Michigan.gov/HealthyWorkHealthyMind.