LetterHead

An Open Letter to Tech Companies, a highly interdisciplinary undertaking, was personally addressed to companies around the US. The letter not only demonstrated the pressing need for change in how mental health is viewed and addressed in the workplace but also leveraged data science and machine learning to pinpoint the factors that (1) preclude a tech employee from discussing mental health in the workplace and (2) deter an employee from seeking professional treatment for mental health issues.

Our data analyses revealed three major themes: 
     (1) stigma and negative views surrounding mental health deter employees from seeking help for mental health;
     (2) how physical health is addressed in the workplace impacts how an employee approaches discussing or seeking
          help for mental health;
     (3) company policy and transparency with regard to mental health care options play significant roles in a tech
          employee’s willingness to reach out for treatment.

The letter focused on translating the themes in our findings to specific, actionable steps and policy changes.