Read about how CEO Ben Congleton of Olark Live Chat reacted in an inclusive way to validate an employee for taking time off to address their mental health and de-stigmatize talking about mental health in the workplace.

While it’s encouraging to see leadership supportive of mental health, employees should still be mindful of a few considerations when sharing information about their mental health at work:

1. Company Culture: Not all companies have the same supportive culture as Olark. Research your company’s policies and culture regarding mental health before sharing.

2. Confidentiality: Be aware of who has access to the information you share. Even in supportive environments, consider whether the information will remain confidential.

3. Professional Boundaries: Maintain a balance between transparency and professionalism. Share enough to explain your needs but avoid oversharing personal details with people who are not trusted friends.

4. Potential Bias: Unfortunately, some colleagues or managers may have conscious or unconscious biases. Be prepared for varied reactions and consider the potential impact on your career advancement.