Battling the Stigma

Prioritizing mental health in the automotive industry
BY EMILY KLINE

THE PANDEMIC THAT CAME TO THE UNITED STATES IN JANUARY OF 2020 ravaged across the country and tore apart businesses, homes, and families. It was a devastating time as uncertainty and isolation affected most Americans. Nobody knew what the future held, businesses had to figure out ways to stay afloat, and many people became unsure about their job security. The state of people’s mental well-being plummeted, and many felt lost and alone.

Although the pandemic was a time of great distress and tragedy, it was also a time that brought about great change. Because the decline of Americans’ mental health was so prominent, the stigma that surrounded it pre-pandemic was reduced. For the first time in their lives, the general population had front-row seats to mental illness. As a result, the pandemic has made mental health care more accessible, and society is now more open to acknowledging the existence of mental illnesses. Presently, leaders in companies are now advocating for EAP programs within their industries, and the importance of work-life balance. These changes have brought about significant improvement, but there is still a long way to go, especially in male-dominated industries.

When Amy Waltersdorf, Vice President of Trent’s Garage in Dallas County, Iowa, was asked about the conversation surrounding mental health in the automotive industry she remarked, “It’s very male-dominated. And males don’t have any problems,” says Waltersdorf sarcastically. Sherri Stock, Owner of inMOTION Auto Care in Lincoln, Nebraska, has similar beliefs regarding mental health. Stock feels that mental health is important to talk about because, “it’s an issue that is experienced every day and not just at work.” In other words, the automotive industry clearly still struggles with the stigma surrounding mental health. Even after the pandemic, the importance of mental health is swept under the rug and it’s not something that’s being talked about.

Despite the roadblocks that Waltersdorf and Stock have experienced, they continue to push for acceptance. Because of their own experiences with tragedy in the workplace, they both understand how important it is to create conversation about difficult topics. They are aware of the significance that their actions have and are always checking in with their employees. Stock believes mental health awareness “starts with the culture that's in the shop.” By holding team meetings and being upfront with her employees, she has created a culture comfortable with open conversation. Stock comments, “We want them to be able to give us suggestions if they see something that they don't feel was right, or something that we could do better.” Waltersdorf has found that the best way to navigate mental health with her employees is by “tr[ying] to be as flexible as [she] can with them, [she’s] tried to let them know that whatever they need, [she] can help them with it.” Being open with employees is a good first step in tackling mental health issues in the workplace. But unfortunately, there are some situations that even auto shop owners Waltersdorf and Stock aren’t equipped to handle. With MWACA’s new employee assistance program, they won’t have to.

MWACA’s new EAP was designed to aid employees with their mental health and their lifestyle. It supplies the opportunity for employees to talk to a mental health provider when relying on others at work isn’t enough. Employers have already started to implement it as an added benefit for their employees. One of the employers who has decided to add it as a benefit is Stock. When asked about the new EAP, she commented, “It is so inexpensive! I was showing it to my people, and they loved it!” MWACA’s new EAP offers owners the opportunity to open up the conversation surrounding mental health and ensures that their employees will be taken care of. The EAP is an obvious next step for employers as the automotive industry adapts to the post-pandemic world and society becomes more attuned to the seriousness of mental health.