Mental Health Awareness Month: The Importance of Celebrating With Your Team
March 14, 2023by Carissa Harrison in Announcements
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a crucial time for businesses and organizations to focus on the well-being of their employees.
Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, and the workplace can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. By observing Mental Health Awareness Month, companies can help break the stigma surrounding mental health, support their employees' mental health, and create a healthier and more productive work environment.
Stopping the Stigma
One of the most important reasons to celebrate Mental Health Awareness month in the workplace is to promote awareness and education. Many people still feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their mental health struggles, but by openly discussing the topic in the workplace, we can break down these barriers. Employers can provide resources such as seminars, webinars, or workshops that help employees understand their personal relationship with mental health, learn about the resources available to them, and teach them how to support colleagues who may be struggling.
Unfortunately, many people still view mental health issues as a weakness that can lead to discrimination and reluctance to seek help. By openly discussing mental health in the workplace, employers can demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that values all employees' well-being.
Community Building
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity for companies to promote self-care practices among their employees. Employees who prioritize their mental and emotional health are shown to be more satisfied and fulfilled in their work. Companies can offer incentives for employees to take time off work to practice self-care or provide access to wellness programs, such as a live session from CheckingIn.
Increased Productivity and Savings
Finally, Mental Health Awareness Month can also help companies improve their bottom line. Mental Health issues can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs. By focusing on mental health, companies can reduce these costs and increase employee engagement and retention. A supportive workplace culture that promotes mental health can also help attract and retain top talent, as employees are more likely to want to work for an organization that values their well-being.
In conclusion, celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in the workplace is essential for promoting awareness, reducing stigma, supporting self-care practices, and saving your company from sunk costs. Employers who prioritize their employees' mental health demonstrate their commitment to creating a healthy and productive work environment. By investing in their employees' well-being, companies can create a more engaged, satisfied, and productive workforce.
To help foster a psychologically safe workplace, join us for our "Mental Health Awareness Month Program." This includes:
1) A live conversation for all your team members in our lived-experienced fireside chat.
2) Access to our 7-day Fostering Mental Health Challenge "making a mental health plan". This is complete with reflection prompts, learning resources, action items, and a step-by-step guide to creating a mental health strategy that fits individualized needs.
For more information on offerings for Mental Health Awareness Month, book a demo to speak with one of our team members.
