How to Improve Mental Health Through Work Relationships

🌟 Hey folks! Ever feel the weight of discussing mental health at work? I get it. As someone living with bipolar, these conversations have been a significant part of my journey. At first, it felt daunting, but starting small, practicing active listening, and building genuine connections transformed the culture in my workplace. In those "How was your weekend?" or "How are you?" moments, I learned the power of active listening. It's not just a casual question; it's an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. By asking follow-up questions and genuinely caring about my colleagues' lives, emotions, and needs, I created an environment where others felt safe to open up. This active listening not only built trust but also allowed us to share personal experiences and vulnerabilities. Research consistently shows that establishing meaningful connections with coworkers doesn't just increase happiness but also boosts productivity and fosters a sense of community at work. It's a win-win strategy that transforms workplace dynamics. We are also in such need of compassion and empathy these days. 💫Take the first step. Share your weekend plans and actively listen. Transform your workplace into a space where everyone feels seen and heard. So, what are your weekend plans?

Before modern technologies existed, Canaries in a coal mine were used to signal danger to miners of a toxic environment. If the canary showed signs of distress, the miners would evacuate immediately and take the precious canary with them grateful for the life saving early warning signs. Today, when employees in your organization are showing signs of distress, how are you responding as leaders? Are you paying attention closely enough to notice? Are you grateful for the early warning signs or are you annoyed by the employee who is stressed? I believe mental wellness signals are a gift to us as leaders. I want to be alert, be listening, and ready to make even small improvements to the system. The benefits from addressing mental health needs are there for all sides: enhanced engagement, more fun, stronger growth, and higher profitability are just a few. When we support mental well being, we strengthen the entire organization. Try the following with 2-3 people today: Ask How are things for you at home? How are things for you here at work? Are there any changes you’d like for me to consider that could help you thrive either at home or at work? Then listen….really listen. Thank them for sharing and let them know you’ll consider any recommendations they have. Go back and consider their input Process with a trusted coach if you feel stuck Change what you can and let the employees know what you changed and what you weren't able to change. What method do you use to stay on top of the mental well being of your team?

I've had bosses who could silence me with a single look. It’s a terrible feeling. I've had bosses who signaled I wasn't worth their time. Have you come to a colleague or manager with a topic and they instantly signal they’re too busy to listen... distracted, or just have better things to do? It's a terrible feeling. When I was 23, I had an incredible boss. I'll never forget spending hours with her, learning how to build an Excel sheet for media budgeting. She was patient, open, she gave me her time and the space to make mistakes. If we’re going to truly promote mental health at work, leaders need to learn how to open up conversation, not shut it down. Megan Reitz offers a solution I absolutely love. It’s about learning to listen without judgment and MAKING SPACE and time for conversations… both small, inconsequential conversations and bigger, more meaty ones. This is a skill and a practice, and it’s essential for leadership. Reitz notes, leaders must ask themselves: “Why are we working together? And what is the point of my leadership? It's there in those really crucial questions that we actually start to genuinely have the relationships and the kind of conversations that help at work.” Watch this short video from our Thinkers50 session. #leadership #mentalhealth #vulnerability #management

As a leader, make it a priority to ask more than "How are you?" Try adding, "How can I help you?" It’s time to move from seeing mental health as an individual challenge to a collective priority. A culture that supports mental health benefits not only the individual employees but also the organization as a whole. I'm inspired to see more leaders and managers leaning into vulnerability by sharing their own stories of struggle too. I've seen more of that in the last two years, and the connection it creates with others is powerful. We're not alone in our struggles. As buttoned-up as we seem on the outside, as big as the titles get, we all struggle, and we all need help. It's not a sign of weakness to share this, but a sign of strength to ask for help or to bear witness to another's pain. What changes would you like to see in your workplace to better support mental health? #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthMatters

How can you make your 2024 happier and more fulfilling? 📖 In his recent TED Talk, Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development—a study that began in 1938 with over 2,000 participants—shared a crucial insight: ✨ individuals with strong, warm relationships are happier and healthier.✨ 📖 Raise your hand (I'm raising mine!) if you've ever put building bonds on the back burner due to a busy schedule. In 2023, I intentionally worked to change this. I reached out to like-minded individuals committed to fostering healthier employees, and #sustainable corporations. This sparked collaborations centered on health risks that influence both employees' mental fitness and overall health, and business' sustainability. ⚖️ 🟢 Warm relationships serve as stress regulators. Robert Waldinger' study shows that individuals with meaningful relationships have a lower risk of developing diabetes and heart disease and recover faster from illnesses, highlighting the health advantages of close social ties. 🌕 Conversely, #loneliness and #isolation can be detrimental. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has indicated that loneliness increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and premature death by up to 29%. It is also associated with an increased risk of #anxiety , depression, and dementia. 🔆 Here is my wish for us in 2024. 1️⃣ Rebuild old relationships and cultivate new, meaningful ones. Why not reach out to someone you care about today? 2️⃣ Explore social and mental fitness solutions, clearing the path for new friendships. 3️⃣ Act with kindness, coach others and volunteer in areas you are passionate about. 🔆Leaders have a special opportunity to build a workplace culture that promotes #trust , belonging, and meaningful connections. I wish you a healthy and meaningfully connected 2024! ✨🌐✨ Find the link to Robert Waldinger's TED Health podcast, research, and our Mental Fitness LinkedIn newsletter in the comments. #mentalhealth #leadership #mentalfitness #consulting #culture #trust #compassionateleadership