Importance of Mental Health Support for Teams

As we move from awareness to action on World Mental Health day, Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Âû,'s work on the importance of emotional inclusion to mental health and well-being at work is a powerful tool. As she explains, toxic positivity- demands to be cheerful 24/7 regardless of the situation or circumstances we and others are facing- makes us sick. Emotional inclusion- creating space for our and others' authentic emotions- on the other hand, supports belonging, authenticity, and well-being. If we want to truly support mental health, holding space for people to be not okay and not requiring people to fake happiness in our workplaces is critical. Actionable strategies for cultivating emotional inclusion at work: ✅ Normalize emotional truthfulness and honest answers to questions like "How are you?" ✅ Check the knee-jerk reaction to say the same old "You will be OK" and instead asking how the other person would like to be supported. ✅ Avoid judging emotions and check our cultural and personal biases.   ✅ Ensure that cultural and power-based preferences for emotional expression are not embedded in systems for high-stakes decisions, especially in talent and performance management processes. ✅ Create physical spaces to process emotion. Flexibility in when and where we work can make a difference. ✅ Prevent emotional distress caused by work, be it from overwork or from ignoring concerns about bullying. How do you champion emotional inclusion and push back against toxic positivity at work? #WorldMentalHealthDay #WellBeingMatters #WellBeingAtWork #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters -- As always, thoughts and views are my own and do not represent those of my current employer.

How to Foster a Mentally Resilient Workforce In a fast-paced work environment, it's crucial to prioritize employee well-being. Research from the American Heart Association underscores the impact of routine stress on health, highlighting the need for proactive measures. Why? 💹 Prevalence of Workplace Stress is Rising: Approximately two in three employees report work as a significant source of stress, indicating a high burden of stress within the U.S. workforce. 💰 Financial Impact is Hammering Employers: Annual total expenditures related to work-related stress and poor mental health (depression and anxiety) amount to $190 billion and $211 billion respectively. Employers bear half of these costs, primarily due to lost productivity such as absenteeism and reduced engagement at work. 👨🏫 Effectiveness of Resilience Training For Improving Well-being: Participation in resilience training programs has been linked to various positive health outcomes. These include increased energy (51%), regular exercise (45%), improved quality of life (41%), and overall health improvement (73%). Moreover, 80% of those offered resilience training programs acknowledge its strong or very strong impact on their commitment to health. Here are actionable steps to empower your team: 🗣️ Encourage open dialogue: create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their challenges and needs openly. Honest conversations break down barriers and foster a supportive culture. 🌱 Establish wellness initiatives: Form a dedicated wellness committee to integrate resources that promote mental health awareness and support. Empower your team to prioritize self-care. 🤝 Foster peer support: Encourage teamwork and peer connections to create a supportive community within your organization. Together, we can overcome challenges. 🎯 Lead by example: By far my favorite, and arguably the most important. Demonstrate leadership commitment to employee well-being. Your actions set the tone for the entire organization. 🔍 Invest in training: Equip your team with Mental Health First Aid at Work training. Empower them to recognize and respond to mental health challenges effectively. Let's all work to prioritize employee well-being and build a resilient workforce for all! 💪 #EmployeeWellness #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellbeing

According to a study by Mental Health America, 83% of employees feel emotionally drained from their work, and another 90% say workplace stress affects their mental health. As a leader, where should we focus our time and energy to make an impact for our team members? ⭐️ EAP’s are severely underutilized, with less than 13% of workers utilizing them. We have to do a better job or communicating the resources available and then make it easy to access them. ⭐️ Leadership training to include mental health first aid is necessary. 44% of employers provide general mental health awareness training, such as identifying depression or signs of suicide and knowing how to intervene in behavioral issues. ⭐️ Provide a safe space to speak about mental health and well-being. This is important for your culture and must be more than just lip service. Start with asking “how are you” and then actually listen to your team members. #MentalHealthMatters #WorldMentalHealthDay #October10 #Leadership #People #Culture

Companies are investing in, and talking about — mental health more often these days. But employees aren’t reporting a corresponding rise in well-being. Why? Headspace’s 2024 Workplace State of Mind study found that work stress has negatively impacted physical health for 77% of employees and relationships outside of work for 71%. A March 2022 Gallup analysis found that fewer than one in four employees felt their organization cared about their well-being — nearly half the number who said the same at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. So, what happened? Initiatives seem to fall short. Here's why: ◾️ Generic Solutions Don't Cut It: Work demands differ across departments. A one-size-fits-all approach for well-being won't work. ◾️ Leaders Matter: External consultants can't replace internal champions who understand the specific stressors within their teams. ◾️ Inclusion is Key: We need to address mental health across generations and genders, fostering open dialogue. Building a Mentally Healthy Workplace: A Path Forward ◾️ Tailored Strategies: Consider different work styles and stressors across departments. ◾️ Empowerment Through Leaders: Engage managers and leaders as champions for well-being initiatives. ◾️ Open Communication & Shared Experiences: Normalize mental health conversations and acknowledge diverse perspectives. ◾️ Invest in the Long Game: Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Patience and continuous improvement are key. The constant connectivity and hyper-responsiveness fueled by technology worsen work anxiety. We need strategies that address this reality. Let's Shift the Focus: 👉 Focus on People: Organizations need to be a source of connection and support. People are messy and complex, and our well-being thrives within healthy relationships. 👉 Invest in Human Sustainability: Support frameworks like the Surgeon General's Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing model offer promising solutions. It's Time to Walk the Talk: Leaders: Prioritize your own mental well-being and share your efforts to inspire others. Employees: Advocate for change, share resources, and hold your company accountable. Together, we can create workplaces that prioritize mental health and empower employees to thrive. #mentalhealth #workplacewellness #wellbeing #leadership #communication #humanresources #burnout #prevention

You're Not Broken – It's the System That Needs Repair After returning from mental health leave, I faced a "needs improvement" rating. The advice was to "Don't take it personally." 🤔 But how can one not? Ratings impact everything: - Salary adjustments - Career trajectory - Self-esteem - Trust in leadership When used punitively, especially in cases of burnout and mental health struggles, they contribute to what's known as "Moral Injury." The Need for Change is Evident and Backed by Data: - Forbes highlights the challenges big corporations face in implementing fair performance assessments. - Harvard Business Review discusses the stigma around mental health in workplaces. - A 2021 Mental Health America report reveals an escalating mental health crisis. - Lyra Health's 2023 study points to a critical gap in employee support for mental health. - A Kornferry survey shows 35% of employee stress originates from managerial pressure, with 80% feeling increased stress due to changes in leadership. - As Paul Gionfriddo, CEO of Mental Health America, notes, "The American workplace was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on employees." The lack of preparation persists, breeding mistrust in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Human Resources. Employees fear stigma and retaliation for voicing their struggles. So, What's the Way Forward? - Training leaders in mental health literacy. - Promoting open dialogue on this widespread yet often silent issue. - Cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding. - Offering genuine support to employees in need. - Tying leadership promotions and compensation to team wellbeing. - Recognizing the signs of a toxic work culture. - Seeking help when required. Your Thoughts? What other strategies should we consider to foster a healthier workplace? Change won't happen overnight, but it's achievable with collective effort. If you're facing difficulties, remember, my DMs are open. You’re in good company – hundreds have reached out already. You are not alone. You are not flawed. Together, we can make a difference. Stay strong. I'm here for you. ❤️ #changingwork #mentalhealth #conciousleadership #workplacewellness

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?

Over the last 3 years, the pandemic has highlighted the impact #mentalwellbeing has in the #workplace. Some employers have developed initiatives to address the issues, some have just had one-off trainings to check a box, and still some have done nothing. What research continues to show us is that #leadership plays an important role in addressing the core impact of #mentalhealthintheworkplace. As I've talked with my clients over the past year, I have shared 4 things that I feel are important in leading mental health at work. 1. Gain clarity on what mental health is and what it is not. We all have mental health, like we all have physical health. But, some of us (myself included) have mental health challenges such as #anxiety, #depression or #substanceusedisorders. 2. Evaluate your organization's #culture and determine what you need to change. This can be hard because you have to look "under the rug" and talk about the things many organizations want to avoid. 3. Develop a strategy! One off trainings are not going to change culture. You must create a plan based on your organization's needs and one that supports your existing priorities. 4. Lead by modeling! It is critical that #leaders lead by example by prioritizing their own mental well-being. If you're telling your staff not to respond to emails on weekends, but you're sending them emails yourself, you're contradicting yourself. As workplaces continue to evolve, any efforts to prioritize mental health is worthwhile. If your organization is looking for additional support in taking the next steps, please comment below. #mentalwellness #workplacementalhealth #workplacestress #mentalhealthawareness #wellbeingatwork #workplacewellness #employeementalhealth #employeewellness #employeeretention #selfcare #DEI

Ok Ok. I’ll admit it. I’m a Jersey girl born and bred. I’ll always say that I got out as soon as I could, so don’t hold it against me. But the roots are there. So, of course I had to watch the Hulu docuseries "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story." It got me thinking about the importance of employee well-being in high-performance workplaces. After a brutal tour schedule in the early 90s, Jon Bon Jovi recognized the strain his band was under and made the unusual move of hiring a therapist to help them communicate better. It was a game-changer for them. As a CEO and founder of Zen Rabbit, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to acknowledge mental health and bring in outside help when necessary. Employee engagement and productivity are directly linked to how valued and supported team members feel. And sometimes, that support needs to come from a professional outside source. In today's fast-paced work environment, it's easy to overlook the signs of burnout or stress. But just like Jon Bon Jovi did for his band, leaders need to be proactive in creating a culture where mental health is a priority. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about creating a workplace where people can thrive – which in turn affects profitability. Meditation, gratitude practices, and open communication are all tools we can use to foster employee well-being. But sometimes, it's about recognizing when more help is needed and not being afraid to seek it out. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever brought in outside help for your team? How do you prioritize mental health in your workplace? Let's keep the conversation going. Like this post, leave a comment, and let's work together to create healthier, happier, higher-performing workplaces. #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealth #HighPerformanceWorkplace

#TheMorningInclusive A Focus on Mental Health Today, I want to focus on a crucial aspect of our work lives that often goes unnoticed but is fundamental to our collective success: #MentalHealth. In the hustle of deadlines and meetings, it’s easy to overlook mental well-being's role in creating a thriving workplace. Yet, the silent pulse can energize or deplete our work environments. Good mental health isn’t just about the absence of illness; it’s about feeling empowered, engaged, and emotionally resilient. Why is this important? When we’re mentally healthy, we’re at our best. We’re more creative, collaborative, and inclusive. We’re not afraid to bring our whole selves to work, and that authenticity fosters a culture of belonging. It’s the kind of culture where everyone is seen and heard, and where diversity isn’t just welcomed—it’s valued and celebrated. This authenticity is a testament to our trust and respect for each other. Investing in mental health resources and fostering an environment where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and taking a mental health day is as normalized as taking a sick day are steps we can take to ensure our teams don’t just survive but thrive. These conversations are not just about mental health, they're about making everyone feel included and valued. When prioritizing mental health, we’re not just supporting individual employees but bolstering the entire organization. We’re building a foundation where innovation springs from well-being and every team member knows they’re a valued part of something bigger. So, let’s commit to checking in with ourselves and our colleagues. Let’s make mental health a pillar of our workplace culture. When we do, we unlock the potential for extraordinary growth, not just in our businesses but also in our personal lives. Together, we can transform our workplaces into spaces where everyone belongs and can flourish. #MentalHealthMatters #Belonging = #Inclusion * (#Diversity + #Equity) ^ #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created by Copilot to summarize this post