Breaking Barriers to Mental Health Awareness
Photo by NordWood Themes
Did you know that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year?
October 10th marked World Mental Health Day, with this year's theme focusing on "Mental Health in an Unequal World."
Amidst the global shake-up, taking time to recognize days like World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to check in on your team members and staff. In particular, in the fast-paced world of technology where innovation never sleeps, understanding and prioritizing the well-being of team members is not only important, it's vital. By fostering a supportive environment in the workplace, companies can collectively contribute to a healthier and more resilient work culture.
Here are five strategies to foster a more supportive workplace:
Expand Access to Mental Health Resources: With open enrollment on the horizon for most companies, consider enhancing your health and wellness benefits to provide mental health resources. This may involve increasing your mental health benefits coverage through your health care plan, providing complimentary access to meditation apps like Calm or Headspace, reimbursing wellness activities such as gym memberships, yoga, and meditation, and offering access to online therapy providers like Modern Health and Ginger io.
Expect Distraction and Pause for Empathy: In these turbulent times, avoid the urge to force "business as usual." Your business is powered by human beings, so take care of them, and they will take care of your business and customers. When your employees grapple with anxiety and fears about the future, provide a safe space to discuss their concerns. Demonstrate understanding if they are slightly less productive, and delegate tasks where possible.
Encourage Teamwork and Connection: Even with employees focused on personal obligations and working remotely, the need for social connection remains. It can be challenging to recreate the informal bonds that form in the workplace, so it's crucial to find ways to connect virtually. Consider hosting virtual "water cooler" sessions, a 30-minute break for socializing, or organizing collective efforts like providing meals delivered to employees at home. Showing thoughtfulness and reducing daily burdens can be a powerful gesture.
Leadership and Demonstrating Understanding: Sometimes, employees may not initiate discussions about their well-being, so managers should take the lead in checking on their teams. A simple "How are you doing? and How are you coping with everything?" during one-on-one meetings can open the door for employees to share their feelings. Anonymous surveys are also valuable for assessing the overall well-being of your organization. Additionally, consider investing in tools like Culture Amp for more comprehensive insights, or for companies on a tighter budget, Google Docs can serve as a practical solution.
Help Employees Navigate Negative Emotions: Some employees may not know where to turn for support and some may confide in their coworkers or managers. However, managers may struggle with handling these emotions or face their own mental health challenges. Tech founders and leaders should do their best to encourage open conversations and validate their employees' feelings and concerns. Consider providing training or resources to help managers and staff understand the emotional stages people go through during difficult times. Consider creating a dedicated mental health training program that provides managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and address mental health concerns in the workplace effectively. This program can be designed in-house by HR or in partnership with external experts, depending on your organization's resources and needs. When you show understanding and provide useful resources, your employees are more likely to feel supported.
In the ever-evolving tech industry, the mental well-being of your team is a cornerstone of success. As tech leaders, it's not just about creating cutting-edge products but also about creating a culture that prioritizes the mental health of your workforce. By embracing these strategies, you can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for your company and help raise awareness across the tech industry as a whole.