Blog

May is Mental Health Awareness Month which means it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of self-care, regulation, and balance! As we all know, unchecked stress, overwork, and burnout can cause serious long-term effects.

Let’s discuss… 

Mental Health Awareness in the Workforce

When we consider mental health awareness in the workforce, it truly starts at the top. Leaders who model vulnerability, prioritize open communication, and actively promote mental health resources set the stage for a more compassionate culture. As a leader, are you modeling healthy work habits or are you promoting “the grind?”?

Let’s go through some tips to make mental wellbeing a priority in the workplace:

1. Burnout: The Productivity Killer

 “Workplace” burnout involves ongoing emotional exhaustion, psychological distance or negativity, and feelings of inefficacy — all adding up to a state where the job-related stressors are not being effectively managed by the normal rest found in work breaks, weekends, and time off (World Health Organization, 2019).

• Tip: Encourage open conversations about burnout and not feeling the best. Train managers and employees to spot the red flags, and create safe spaces for employees to say, “Hey, I’m struggling and would appreciate some help.” Promote honesty and a healthy work-life balance.

2. Stress: It’s Contagious (and not in a good way)

Let’s talk about the psychological effect known as “emotional contagion.” Emotional contagion is a phenomenon where the behavior of an individual (like anger or happiness) leads to the reflexive production of the same behavior by others. For example, if you’re looking at a co-worker who looks upset and disgruntled, it’s highly likely that you’ll begin mirroring their behavior! 

• Tip: Normalize breaks. Step away from screens, stretch, go on a walk, do a quick meditation, or whatever recharges you. Find and share stress management resources like mindfulness apps. Bonus points if you create designated chill-out zones in the office.

Less Stress… More Success!

3. The Power of Connection

Humans are social creatures and even though technology connects us now more than ever, it can also disconnect us from the people around us, leaving us feeling lonely. It’s important to remember that the most impactful communication we can have almost always happens face to face. ”In his book 7L: The Seven Levels of Communication, Michael Maher discusses the different modalities of communication, and he places them in a pyramid of hierarchy, with face-to-face being at the top and having the most impact.”

• Tip: Prioritize team building activities, even if it’s just a virtual coffee break or grabbing lunch together. Encourage mentorship programs and open communication channels. Little gestures, like remembering birthdays or offering genuine praise, go a long way!

4. Feeling Safe = Feeling Productive 

“Psychological safety at work doesn’t mean that everybody is nice to each other all the time. It means that people feel free to “brainstorm out loud,” voice half-finished thoughts, openly challenge the status quo, share feedback, and work through disagreements together — knowing that leaders value honesty, candor, and truth-telling, and that team members will have one another’s backs.”

• Tip: Leadership sets the tone. Foster respect, psychological safety, and a zero-tolerance policy for toxic behavior. Remember, happy employees = loyal employees. Stronger bonds = Stronger teams: when we trust that our coworkers have our backs, collaboration flourishes, ideas flow freely, and we lift each other up.

5. Self-care is NOT Selfish

The term “self-care” has gained popularity in the last few years and many people think of lavish spa days or shopping sprees when they hear it. “However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is, self-care isn’t about indulgence at all—it’s about meeting your basic needs to function at your best.”

• Tip: Lead by example. Talk openly about your own mental health strategies. Promote self-care practices as part of the workday. Encourage employees to utilize mental health days without fear of judgment.

A Mentally Healthy Workplace

Bottom Line

A mentally healthy workplace isn’t just about feeling good (though that’s important too). It translates to overall wellness, safety, increased productivity, stronger teams, and a healthier bottom line. Let’s ditch the outdated “suck it up” mentality and embrace a culture where mental wellbeing is valued as much as hitting those quarterly targets. Remember, mental health matters at any and every age. YOU matter! 

P.S. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, help is available. Here are some resources:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Happy Tuesday! Are you also surprised that it’s already March? Ringing in the annual tradition of… *checks calendar* … Women’s History Month!

Time to dust off the inspirational quotes about glass ceilings, pioneering women, and fire up the “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar” playlist (because apparently, we should still roar).

While Women’s History Month can sometimes feel like a Hallmark holiday with a slightly more serious message, it’s important to remember the why behind the what. *cue history lesson*

The Rise of the Female Trailblazers: Enter the Era of Power Suits and Paychecks (Finally!)

The feminist movement of the 20th century was basically a giant middle finger to the status quo. Women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan said, “Enough is enough!” They demanded equal rights, equal pay, and the chance to, you know, not wear an itchy petticoat every day.

Cue the “Baby Boomers”

This generation saw a surge in working moms. While they might’ve faced resistance from some “stay-at-home” parents, these women paved the way for future generations to juggle careers and motherhood with ninja-like efficiency.

Gen X Women: Breaking the Glass Ceiling (and Maybe a Few Wine Glasses)

Gen X women entered the workforce with a “can-do” attitude and a healthy dose of skepticism towards the whole “glass ceiling” thing. They saw their mothers break barriers and weren’t about to let a metaphor hold them back. This generation saw a significant increase in women in leadership positions, proving once again that women can lead, manage, and rock a killer suit (with slightly wider shoulder pads, of course).

Millennials: The Work-Life Balance Renegades (and the Masters of Side Hustles)

Millennial women grew up with the expectation of a career, not just a job. They value flexibility and work-life balance, thanks in part to the trailblazing moms who came before them. This generation embraces technology and side hustles, turning their passions into paychecks. They’re also the generation most likely to call out unequal pay and demand change.

Gen Z: Make Room for the Latest Generation in the Workforce

Gen Z are growing up in different environments from previous generations. They “value individual expression,” “mobilize themselves for a variety of causes,” and “believe profoundly in the efficacy of dialogue to solve conflicts and improve the world.”

With all this constant change, this is much more than just some history lesson – it’s a present-day reminder. A reminder that women have always been there, pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and, yes, occasionally roaring in the face of adversity. *cue Katy Perry – Roar* 

With that being said, how can we approach this month with both respect and a healthy dose of humor?

Here are a few tips:

• Challenge Biases: Understanding the historical context of women’s struggles helps dismantle unconscious biases that may still exist in our society today.
• Ditch the clichés: We’ve all seen the “women holding up the world” memes and “strong female character” tropes a million times. Let’s celebrate the real, diverse experiences of women, from the boardroom to the battlefield, and everything in between.
• Humor? Yes, but responsibly: A little laughter can go a long way, but remember, the goal is to celebrate, not belittle. Aim for humor that empowers and uplifts, rather than reinforces tired stereotypes.
• Amplify diverse voices: Not all women’s experiences are created equal. This month, use your platform to showcase the stories of women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life.
• Go beyond the month: While Women’s History Month provides a dedicated focus, let’s not relegate our appreciation and advocacy for women to just 31 days. Let’s strive for continuous acknowledgment and support throughout the year.

Women’s History is a continuous journey that requires ongoing effort, open minds, and maybe even a sprinkle of humor along the way. So, let’s celebrate Women’s History Month, but let’s also remember that the real celebration is ongoing, every single day!