May is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. During this month, we take time to shed light on the ongoing battle that some of our loved ones, family, friends, and colleagues may be fighting each day with their indomitable spirit.
The last few years have been challenging for many humans in the workplace. The pandemic has disrupted work routines and forced individuals to make difficult decisions about their priorities. It’s crucial to learn how an individual’s environment impacts their mental health, how to make changes to improve and maintain their well-being, and seek help for mental health challenges.
Colleagues can support one another in the workplace by creating a culture of psychological safety. This means that everyone feels like they can be themselves and share their struggles without fear of judgment or retribution. Psychological safety encourages humans to speak up when they see something that needs to be addressed, which can help prevent issues from escalating. Download the toolkit from the Mental Health America resources here.
Dealing with a heavy workload can be stressful, but there are strategies we can use to manage it effectively. Here’s a few to consider:
- Start by making a list of all the pending tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. This will help create areas of focus on the most critical tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a schedule that outlines what work will get done during the week based on the prioritized list. Be sure to build in breaks throughout the day to allow for time to recharge.
- Set boundaries to avoid burnout and communicate them with colleagues so they are aware of time blocks that are carved out for getting work done and being available for meetings or spontaneous opportunities to collaborate.
- Investing is self care is crucial to managing stress. It’s important to make time for downtime, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or doing something else that doesn’t involve screen time. Remember, it’s not just about working harder, but also working smarter by incorporating breaks into daily routines.
- When experiencing a bad day, it can be helpful to reframe one’s thinking. Instead of dwelling on negative aspects of the day, focusing on what has been accomplished and celebrating little wins can improve one’s mood and overall well-being.
And here’s a few tips on how everyone can support each other and extend kindness in our personal and professional lives.
- Encourage open and honest communication in the workplace and create channels for anonymous feedback.
- Ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace by promoting a safe and welcoming environment for humans of all backgrounds, and taking steps to address any instances of negative behavior.
- Advocate for mental health resources that offer counseling services, employee assistance programs, and flexible work arrangements to help raise awareness and reduce stigma.
- Model positive behaviors and attitudes by showing empathy and support to humans and speaking openly about mental health experiences [if comfortable doing so].
- Seek out resources in the event there’s someone within your network who may be silently struggling with mental health issues or other challenges. This could involve connecting them with mental health resources or simply being a listening ear and offering words of encouragement.
Overall, creating a workplace culture that values and supports mental health can go a long way in helping colleagues battle the silent mind. By working together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment that values the well-being of all humans.
