Significance of Emotional Well-Being

As we move from awareness to action on World Mental Health day, Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Âû,'s work on the importance of emotional inclusion to mental health and well-being at work is a powerful tool. As she explains, toxic positivity- demands to be cheerful 24/7 regardless of the situation or circumstances we and others are facing- makes us sick. Emotional inclusion- creating space for our and others' authentic emotions- on the other hand, supports belonging, authenticity, and well-being. If we want to truly support mental health, holding space for people to be not okay and not requiring people to fake happiness in our workplaces is critical. Actionable strategies for cultivating emotional inclusion at work: ✅ Normalize emotional truthfulness and honest answers to questions like "How are you?" ✅ Check the knee-jerk reaction to say the same old "You will be OK" and instead asking how the other person would like to be supported. ✅ Avoid judging emotions and check our cultural and personal biases.   ✅ Ensure that cultural and power-based preferences for emotional expression are not embedded in systems for high-stakes decisions, especially in talent and performance management processes. ✅ Create physical spaces to process emotion. Flexibility in when and where we work can make a difference. ✅ Prevent emotional distress caused by work, be it from overwork or from ignoring concerns about bullying. How do you champion emotional inclusion and push back against toxic positivity at work? #WorldMentalHealthDay #WellBeingMatters #WellBeingAtWork #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters -- As always, thoughts and views are my own and do not represent those of my current employer.

Our 2024 Workforce State of Mind report has just been released, and it’s a must read. In our annual survey of over 2,000 employees, CEOs, and HR leaders, our results showed how work stress is seeping into the personal lives of employees and how their relationships – with co-workers, managers, and leaders – play a significant role in their mental and emotional well-being: - 77% of employees say that work stress has negatively impacted their physical health and - 75% say it caused them to gain weight. - 71% of employees report work stress has caused a personal relationship to end. However, despite a shift to remote work for many, employees continue to see the workplace as a source of community and connection: - 53% of employees say that the workplace helped them find a community of people with similar backgrounds or lived experiences. - 44% of employees say that their workplace helped them build connections and feel less lonely. Check out the report to see what actions leaders and companies can take to support workplace mental health: https://lnkd.in/dVHMFb4v

I'm going through the big D, and I don't JUST mean divorce. It's Divorce, yes, but it's also: Devastation Distraction Disruption Damage Depression I've been navigating through all these stages of grief, the whirlwind of emotions that one experiences when they make one of life's toughest decisions – to end a marriage, to reshape a family. We don't talk about this enough in our professional lives. We don't allow the healthy space one rightfully deserves during such a tumultuous period. Yet, countless professionals find themselves in this very situation, trying to juggle the demands of work, parenting, and personal growth amidst the storm of emotions. How can we possibly be our best selves at work if we can't grieve safely? It's time for change. It's time for companies to recognize that their employees are human beings with complex lives, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Providing a supportive environment during challenging times like divorce isn't just about being empathetic; it's about investing in the well-being of your workforce. A workplace that encourages open conversations, offers flexibility, and provides access to counseling resources can be a game-changer. It allows individuals to heal, to find their footing, and ultimately, to bring their best selves to work. By nurturing a culture that values emotional well-being as much as professional growth, we not only retain valuable talent but also cultivate an atmosphere of compassion and understanding. It's a win-win situation, as happier, healthier employees are undoubtedly more productive and engaged. So, let's start the conversation. Let's advocate for the importance of safe spaces to heal and grieve in our professional lives. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a supportive and inclusive workplace. Let's make this a part of the workplace wellness plans we all need to thrive through all of life's challenges. Time for healing and grief. Psychological safety around life events. Thank you in advance for your support. I'm prioritizing myself and doing well 💗 #WorkplaceWellness #EmotionalSupport #DivorceAndHealing #ProfessionalGrowth

There obviously weren’t many silver linings to the pandemic. But one I always have to mention is that the stigma around mental health has been drastically reduced from where we were in January 2020. You can see it in the data, and I can feel it in the conversations I’m having with business leaders every day. Today signals the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s an important time to me, and to Boon. We started Boon to fill a gap in employer support for employees. I wanted to bring the same sort of help that changed my own life to organizations and employees across the world. In the spirit of this goal, here are three reasons to be optimistic about shifting perspectives on mental health in the workplace: 1. Increased awareness and understanding - More companies now recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on employee well-being. 2. Shift towards a more holistic approach - Growing understanding that personal challenges are inextricably tied to professional challenges. 3. Higher productivity and retention - 85% of Boon users report higher levels of productivity after working with a coach for six or more sessions. They are also more than 50% less likely to leave. This respect for the impact of mental well-being (among other important factors like professional development) is saving companies like our customers millions of dollars a year. What are you excited about, when it comes to this increased attention to the mental health of our workforces? Some exciting news to share tomorrow about what we’re up to at Boon this month. 🚀

Ok Ok. I’ll admit it. I’m a Jersey girl born and bred. I’ll always say that I got out as soon as I could, so don’t hold it against me. But the roots are there. So, of course I had to watch the Hulu docuseries "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story." It got me thinking about the importance of employee well-being in high-performance workplaces. After a brutal tour schedule in the early 90s, Jon Bon Jovi recognized the strain his band was under and made the unusual move of hiring a therapist to help them communicate better. It was a game-changer for them. As a CEO and founder of Zen Rabbit, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to acknowledge mental health and bring in outside help when necessary. Employee engagement and productivity are directly linked to how valued and supported team members feel. And sometimes, that support needs to come from a professional outside source. In today's fast-paced work environment, it's easy to overlook the signs of burnout or stress. But just like Jon Bon Jovi did for his band, leaders need to be proactive in creating a culture where mental health is a priority. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about creating a workplace where people can thrive – which in turn affects profitability. Meditation, gratitude practices, and open communication are all tools we can use to foster employee well-being. But sometimes, it's about recognizing when more help is needed and not being afraid to seek it out. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever brought in outside help for your team? How do you prioritize mental health in your workplace? Let's keep the conversation going. Like this post, leave a comment, and let's work together to create healthier, happier, higher-performing workplaces. #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealth #HighPerformanceWorkplace

As a #socialworker and #trustandsafety professional, this month is incredibly important to me. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act. Raising awareness helps break down stigmas and fosters a supportive community. Why mental health matters: Mental health affects every facet of our lives. It shapes our interactions, our performance at work, and our ability to handle stress and make decisions. Yet, despite its importance, mental health often remains stigmatized and misunderstood. By raising awareness, we can help break down these barriers and foster a more supportive and understanding community. Just a few tips for supporting mental health in the workplace - 💚 Educate yourself and others: Knowledge is power. Learn about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatments. Share this information with your network to help reduce stigma and promote understanding. 💚 Practice self-care: Prioritize your mental well-being by incorporating self-care into your routine. Whether it's through mindfulness, exercise, hobbies, or simply taking a break, find what works for you and make it a habit. 💚 Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues. Open up about your feelings and encourage others to do the same. A strong support system can make a significant difference in managing mental health challenges. 💚 Promote a healthy work environment: As professionals, we have a responsibility to foster a workplace culture that supports mental health. Encourage open conversations about mental health, provide resources, and advocate for policies that prioritize employee well-being. 💚 Lead by example: As leaders, we need to lead by example. Managers and leaders should model healthy behaviors, such as taking time off, setting boundaries, and managing stress effectively. 💚 Seek professional help when needed (Proud therapy goer here ✋): There’s no shame in seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage reaching out to a mental health professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Drop your tips and tricks in the comments below! #mentalhealthawareness #workplacewellness #mentalhealthmatters #breakthestigma #employeewellness #mentalhealthmonth

#TheMorningInclusive A Focus on Mental Health Today, I want to focus on a crucial aspect of our work lives that often goes unnoticed but is fundamental to our collective success: #MentalHealth. In the hustle of deadlines and meetings, it’s easy to overlook mental well-being's role in creating a thriving workplace. Yet, the silent pulse can energize or deplete our work environments. Good mental health isn’t just about the absence of illness; it’s about feeling empowered, engaged, and emotionally resilient. Why is this important? When we’re mentally healthy, we’re at our best. We’re more creative, collaborative, and inclusive. We’re not afraid to bring our whole selves to work, and that authenticity fosters a culture of belonging. It’s the kind of culture where everyone is seen and heard, and where diversity isn’t just welcomed—it’s valued and celebrated. This authenticity is a testament to our trust and respect for each other. Investing in mental health resources and fostering an environment where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and taking a mental health day is as normalized as taking a sick day are steps we can take to ensure our teams don’t just survive but thrive. These conversations are not just about mental health, they're about making everyone feel included and valued. When prioritizing mental health, we’re not just supporting individual employees but bolstering the entire organization. We’re building a foundation where innovation springs from well-being and every team member knows they’re a valued part of something bigger. So, let’s commit to checking in with ourselves and our colleagues. Let’s make mental health a pillar of our workplace culture. When we do, we unlock the potential for extraordinary growth, not just in our businesses but also in our personal lives. Together, we can transform our workplaces into spaces where everyone belongs and can flourish. #MentalHealthMatters #Belonging = #Inclusion * (#Diversity + #Equity) ^ #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created by Copilot to summarize this post

In our pursuit of workplace wellness, it's crucial that we shift our focus from the quantity of programs offered to the quality of support they provide. A multitude of initiatives doesn't necessarily equate to adequate mental health support. 💡 We must strive to foster a culture of wellness that truly upholds and integrates a mental health framework. This is the foundation that ensures our programs genuinely cater to the needs of our teams. Furthermore, it's imperative that we develop robust methods of measuring the success of our programs. Moving beyond mere utilization and satisfaction, we should delve into the real impact our initiatives have on the mental health and overall well-being of our employees. Are we seeing tangible improvements in their day-to-day experiences and long-term health outcomes? These are the metrics that truly matter. Remember, without a solid base, meaningful programs, and effective measurement, even the most well-intentioned initiatives can fall short. Let's commit to building that strong foundation, nurturing a culture where mental health is not just supported but prioritized, and ensuring we have the tools to assess our success. 🌱 #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateCulture #ProgramEvaluation"

The world we live in is complex and people experience it differently. Events like the war in Israel, past individual or collective traumas, and fears for the future can be overwhelming and painful, impacting people in all areas of their lives and work. It's easy to get so wrapped up in our own stuff that we lose sight of what's happening to people around us. It's also understandable, when we're all swimming through different difficulties. We never fully know what people are navigating. "Business as usual" mindsets ignore the complexity of people's life experiences, which are integrated with our work experiences. #WorldMentalHealthDay reminds us that our lives and work are not separate spheres. We can use this reminder and recommit to building healthy work cultures that foster flexibility, safety, autonomy, and belonging—beyond just offering wellness perks. Wellbeing, flexibility, and inclusion are how we build a better #FutureOfWork and that future can start today. 💚 #Wellbeing #WorkplaceFlexibility #MentalHealth #Empathy #Inclusion #LifeWorkIntegration #RemoteWork #DistributedWork #FlexibleWork #HybridWork #EmployeeExperience https://lnkd.in/eAUdpqWB

Regardless of cultural background, workers from across the globe want one thing: A positive workplace environment. According to SHRM's Global Workplace Culture Report 2023, 96% of employees are less likely to dread going to work when they're in a positive #culture, and 78% are less likely to look for another job within 6 months. A positive work culture is essential for employee retention and satisfaction as it directly influences the overall well-being and engagement of individuals within an organization. When employees experience a positive work culture, characterized by supportive relationships, clear transparent communication, and a sense of purpose there is a higher likelihood that they will excel and stay with the company. A positive work culture fosters a sense of belonging and community. When employees feel valued and connected to their colleagues and the organization, it creates a supportive environment that enhances #jobsatisfaction. This emotional connection reduces the likelihood of turnover, as individuals are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel appreciated and part of a cohesive team. A positive culture promotes employee #morale and #motivation. When individuals are engaged in their work and feel motivated to contribute their best efforts, they are more likely to find fulfillment in their roles. This sense of purpose and achievement is closely linked to job satisfaction, making employees less inclined to seek opportunities elsewhere. A positive work culture often correlates with effective leadership, transparent communication, and opportunities for professional development. These factors contribute to a meaningful #employeeexperience, as individuals are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel supported, informed, and have avenues for personal and career growth. It is time that leadership recognize the strategic importance of retaining top talent, cultivating a positive work culture as a critical element in building a resilient and successful workforce that will deliver exceptional results.