While the events of the past year have brought on new challenges for just about everyone, a silver lining might be that people are talking more openly about mental health. Many employers have already begun this work, but the need to help create mentally healthy workplace cultures is stronger than ever. Read on for some tips to keep in mind plus ideas for action.
Help de-stigmatize mental illness. Strategies like mindfulness, affirmations, random acts of kindness, gratitude practices, etc. are scientifically proven to boost happiness — and can be very helpful for many people. However, framing mental health only in this way may increase the stigma for those facing diagnosable mental health conditions. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental illness, and to remind employees that they are not alone. Millions of Americans are affected by mental health conditions every year.
Model healthy behaviors and show vulnerability. Being honest and sharing your own struggles will help those around you to feel comfortable talking about theirs. After all, almost everyone has experienced some level of worry and distress in the past year.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”
-Brené Brown
Acknowledge that mental health experiences will differ according to race, socioeconomic status, job type, parenting or caregiving responsibilities, and many other factors. Many of these aspects are rooted in structural and systemic inequities that the COVID-19 pandemic* has magnified. Although statements like “We’re all in this together” feel unifying, they will likely fail to resonate with some of your employees.
“We are all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.” - Unknown
As much as we’re all anxious for things to return to “the way they were,” many things simply will not. While 2020 and 2021 have brought new challenges, it also brought new possibilities. Let’s ride this wave of opportunity and do our part to help create positive mental health for all!
Ideas for action:
- The Make it OK campaign is a great place to start. Make It OK was developed locally in collaboration with HealthPartners, Regions Hospital, the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and other community partners to encourage individuals to talk more openly about mental illnesses.
- Analyze your current mental health policies to see what changes or additions might be needed. Be sure you are taking advantage of all your vendors that can help support your employees during these trying times. Whether you can make changes to your benefits or not, be sure to remind employees of what is available to them and share this information repeatedly.
- Ask your employees what they need. Consider conducting online surveys or virtual focus groups to find out how to best support your unique organization. Ask specific questions, such as “What resources do you need right now?” or “Is there something we can do to make your life easier?”
- Attend our virtual Paths to Positivity campaign coordinator training on Wednesday, March 10 from 9-10:30 a.m. This five-week campaign is designed to help employees live happier, healthier lives through connection, mindfulness, or purpose. The training cost is $25 and includes everything you need to launch this campaign in your workplace whenever it’s convenient for you. REGISTER HERE. Both Paths to Positivity and Take it outside! (offered in July**) are turn-key programs designed to support your employees’ mental well-being.
- Share the Protect your mental health handout below (under Employee E-tips) with your employees.
* For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, visit Hennepin County, Minnesota Department of Health, or Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC).
** For those of you who like to plan ahead, here is the draft calendar of upcoming 2021 Health@Work trainings and events for workplace wellness coordinators:
- March: Paths to positivity campaign training
- April: Step to it campaign training
- April: Networking event on family friendly work policies
- May: Step to it challenge happens this month
- July: Take it outside! campaign training
- August: Tools for success (wellness program basics) training
- October: Plant power campaign training (new campaign)
- November: Networking event on career well-being
- December: Frosty and friends campaign training (updated Frosty Challenge campaign)
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