Stigma continues to act as a major barrier to the full social and economic inclusion of people with mental health conditions, particularly in the sphere of employment. According to the World Health Organization (2024), individuals with serious mental illnesses are more likely to be excluded from the workforce, and even when employed, they often face discrimination or unequal treatment. Stigma contributes to higher unemployment rates, underemployment, and insecure working conditions, while also limiting long-term income and financial stability (Baldwin, 2006; Krupa et al., 2009; Markopoulou et al., 2020; Sharak et al., 2010).
Workplace stigma and discrimination against individuals with psychosis and other mental health conditions can lead to avoidance of employment, reluctance to disclose mental health status, increased job-related stress, and shorter employment tenure (Hampson et al., 2020). Within professional settings, stigma is reinforced by harmful stereotypes: people with mental illness are often portrayed as incompetent, unpredictable, unsafe, or incapable of handling workplace demands. In some cases, employment itself is mischaracterized as harmful to their health, or their conditions are dismissed as not constituting “real” illnesses (Krupa et al., 2009).
The consequences are profound. For example, the simple disclosure of a mental health diagnosis can be enough to trigger rejection during job applications. Individuals are forced into a double bind: disclose their condition and risk exclusion, or conceal it and risk mistrust or dismissal later. Even when successfully hired, they frequently face unfair treatment, lack of respect, and discriminatory dismissal when their conditions worsen (Baladima, 2021; Thornicroft, 2006).
Yet, research consistently demonstrates that individuals with mental health conditions both aspire to work and are fully capable of succeeding when given equitable opportunities and appropriate support (Macias et al., 2001; Markopoulou et al., 2020; McQuilken et al., 2003; Waghorn & Lloyd, 2005). Employment provides more than financial security—it fosters dignity, social participation, and recovery.
Work is not merely an economic activity; it is a fundamental human right recognized in international law and human rights frameworks. Denying people with mental health conditions fair access to employment undermines their dignity, equality, and autonomy. Overcoming workplace stigma is therefore not just a matter of inclusion or policy reform—it is an obligation to uphold human rights. Ensuring equitable employment opportunities requires challenging stereotypes, enforcing anti-discrimination protections, and creating supportive environments that affirm the right of every individual to contribute meaningfully to society through work.
Author: Evangelia Markopoulou
References
Baladima, C. E.. (2021). Prokatalipsi kai stigma giro apo ti psichiki noso: staseis epaggelmation psychikis ygeias apenanti stous psychiatrikous astheneis. [Prejudice and stigma surrounding mental illness: attitudes of mental health professionals towards psychiatric patients][Master’s Thesis]. https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/2943563
Baldwin, M. L., & Marcus, S. C. (2006). Perceived and measured stigma among workers with serious mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 57(3), 388-392.
Hampson, M. E., Watt, B. D., & Hicks, R. E. (2020). Impacts of stigma and discrimination in the workplace on people living with psychosis. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 288. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02614-z
Krupa, T., Kirsh, B., Cockburn, L., & Gewurtz, R. (2009). Understanding the stigma of mental illness in employment. Work, 33(4), 413-425.
Macias, C., DeCarlo, L. T., Wang, Q., Frey, J., & Barreira, P. (2001). Work interest as a predictor of competitive employment: policy implications for psychiatric rehabilitation. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 28(4), 279-297.
Markopoulou, E., Antoniou, A. S., & Angelou, V. (2020). I epaggelmatiki stadiodromia anthropon me psychiki noso. [The professional careers of people with mental disorders]. In K. Argyropoulou and A. S. Antoniou (Eds.) Diaxeirisi Stadiodromias kai anaptiksi deksiotiton sto sichrono ekpaideutiko kai ergasiako perivalon, Proskliseis tou 21ou aiona. [Career Management and Skills Development in the Contemporary Educational and Work Environment, Challenges of the 21st Century]. Grigoris Publications: Athens (pp 163-190)
McQuilken, M., Zahniser, J. H., Novak, J., Starks, R. D., Olmos, A., & Bond, G. R. (2003). The work project survey: Consumer perspectives on work. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 18(1), 59-68.
Sharac, J., Mccrone, P., Clement, S., & Thornicroft, G. (2010). The economic impact of mental health stigma and discrimination: a systematic review. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 19(3), 223-232.
Thornicroft, G. (2006). Shunned: Discrimination against People with Mental Illness. Oxford University Press.
Waghorn, G., & Lloyd, C. (2005). The employment of people with mental illness. Australian e-journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, 4(2), 129-171.
World Health Organization. (2024). Mental health at work. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work Accessed at 28/08/2025.
