In the realm of workplace behavioral health, Dr. Jodi Jacobson Frey, PhD, stands as a prominent figure, shaping the landscape for over two decades. Holding positions as a professor and associate dean for research at the University of Maryland, Dr. Frey is also the visionary behind the university’s Behavioral Health and Well-Being Lab (BHWell Lab). Her work centers on advocating for early intervention in mental health issues, aiming not only to bolster employee well-being across diverse professions but also to safeguard jobs and resources.
With a background in clinical social work, Dr. Frey’s career trajectory was influenced by her desire to assist individuals before they faced the loss of crucial resources due to untreated mental health and substance use disorders. This passion led her to the domain of workplace social work and employee assistance programs (EAPs), driven by the belief that early intervention could facilitate access to treatment support and long-term recovery while individuals maintained employment and associated resources.
Eager to extend her impact, Dr. Frey sought broader avenues to address prevailing questions regarding effective interventions and the adaptation of strategies to diverse workforces. Notably, she has co-chaired the National Committee for Workplace Suicide Prevention for the past 14 years, contributing significantly to the formulation of workplace policies outlined in the committee’s National Guidelines. Since its inception in October 2019, over 1,600 workplaces and professional organizations have pledged commitment to prioritizing suicide prevention as a fundamental aspect of workplace health and safety.
Dr. Frey underscores the significance of tailored policies and programs that cater to the unique needs of marginalized employee groups, advocating for a proactive approach to mental health and well-being in workplaces. Central to her approach is the concept of moving upstream, which involves identifying root causes of mental health issues and systemic barriers within the workplace, such as discrimination and bias, to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment.
In her latest endeavor, Dr. Frey has been instrumental in the development of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Work Transform, a program designed to equip employees across all levels with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in the workplace. Emphasizing the creation of a workplace culture where mental health is not merely a priority but a cornerstone of success, MHFA at Work Transform fosters collaboration among management, HR, and legal professionals to devise strategies promoting employee well-being and empathetic leadership.
Dr. Frey’s anticipation of the impact of MHFA at Work courses underscores the significance of addressing the scarcity of workplace-focused training programs. By customizing coursework to specific industries, such as restaurants, retail, and manufacturing, the program ensures responsiveness to diverse workplace cultures. Notably, the MHFA at Work product suite offers a comprehensive approach, encompassing introductory courses, advanced skills practice, and collaborative learning opportunities tailored to workplace leaders’ preferences.
As workplaces increasingly embrace holistic approaches to mental health, Dr. Frey’s insights offer invaluable guidance in fostering empathetic leadership and resilience, ultimately driving the transformation of workplace well-being.
