Let's Talk About Mental Wellness at Work

Considering how to approach mental wellness conversations in your workplace? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Realize that mental wellness conversations are not one-offs. An awkward attempt can often get cut-off. Be receptive if approached again but never single someone out or put them on the spot. Everyone has their own level or comfort when it comes to discussing mental illness.
• Be open to listen respectfully, without being dismissive and maintain healthy boundaries.
• If you are comfortable, be open about your own mental health challenges. Be aware of your ability to handle the conversation.
• Don't be afraid to refer coworkers for additional support.

By following these tips, you'll be able to effectively discuss mental wellness and create a supportive workplace culture.

Here are some suggestions you may already be doing! Be sure your team partakes.

Take short breaks or a mental health day

You can improve your mental health by taking a break from work. It helps you focus better, which will allow you to do more in the day. Even if you're just walking around the block, spending time outdoors is a good idea. It is very beneficial to take short breaks. Taking a mental health day can help you recharge and renew. Often, our regular days off are spent doing personal tasks or taking vacations. However, a vacation can also mean stress. A mental health day can be a great way to unwind and relax, without having to catch up on work. It can also serve as an opportunity to change scenery or try new things.  Bring a friend along with you to make the day memorable.

Be a champion for mental well-being at work

Advocating for mental health at work could be a daunting task. Keep in mind, the higher-ups do want healthy employees. While maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn't always easy, the HR department is there to support you.  By voicing concern for your personal mental wellness and being the champion for everyone on your team, you are empowering your company to make a positive change and upgrade your company culture.

Join a peer support group

A peer-support group is a great way to support employees who are experiencing mental health problems at work. These groups are made up people from different workplaces who have faced similar challenges. While peer-support groups are not a substitute for professional therapy, they can provide valuable support for employees and encourage them to seek counseling through the company's employee assistance program.

Get serious about humor and team bonding

Be sure to add some fun team bonding experiences to foster trust and togetherness on a more personal level. Laugh A Lot Art Events offers meditative relaxing art activities and fun painting experiences with fun puns and riddles throughout to bring remote and hybrid co-workers together. Often, remote and hybrid workers tend to feel isolated, disconnected and less trusting to open up about their mental health challenges. When brought together over fun and laughter, teams begin to feel a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to share. In fact, Stanford University professors and authors of Humor, Seriously - How Humor is the Secret Weapon in Business and Life teach a course about it! Check out Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas talk about their research and discoveries in this TED talk.