Supporting Your Team's Mental Wellbeing

On October 10th, the globe observed World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to championing one's mental well-being and raising awareness about mental ailments. Unfortunately, to make matters more complex, COVID-19 amplified the population’s anxiety, stress, and fear, making mental healthcare much more challenging to access. 

The uncertainty and hardships of the pandemic poorly impacted the globe’s mental health. The stay-at-home protocols presented new pressures on employees and the members of any association. In addition, the lack of resources and the stigma surrounding therapy have created a struggle to find overall support. 

There are plenty of incredible opportunities and strategies that associations can take to support their team’s mental well-being. From days intended for promoting your mental health to providing on-demand licensed therapists and counselors, focusing on self-care will create happier and healthier members. 

Also, when associations demonstrate a genuine interest in their member’s personal life, it will create a sense of value and worth in a community. This not only boosts productivity, but the newer generation will appreciate the focus and culture of promoting self-care and mental health.

So, what can leaders do to advocate and support the people within your organization as they face the impacts of COVID-19 and the balance of work and personal life? Some of our favorite methods for supporting and sustaining your team member’s mental well-being are the following.

Mental Health Days

Similar to the World Health Organization’s annual event, associations should incorporate designated mental health days within their own calendars. These days should relieve individuals of their stressful responsibilities and make it about inner healing, self-discovery, and enjoying the fresh air.

It’s important to know that mental health days should be based on what each individual needs for themselves. While some may prefer to get out and be social, others may choose to be indoors and alone. Leave this moment’s agenda up to your team member’s discretion. 

• Get Outdoors — Several studies have shown that exposure to nature and vitamin D increases attention, cognitive flexibility, productivity, and memory. So take your team for a day on the beach or a mountain hike. 

  • EXEC Private Label Tickets make finding outdoor entertainment easy and affordable no matter when and where you are. 

  • Adventure IO is an excellent platform to host top-rated experiences for outdoor adventures.

    EXEC Members get preferred rates on all trips. 

• Personal Time — Some people may choose to spend their mental health day on their own, with their family, or even with their pets. Taking a personal moment is essential, and as an association, you can provide members who choose to fly solo with some of these self-care activities. 

  • Soothe is one of the globe’s largest on-demand wellness platforms for skincare, hair, and beauty, including facials and massages.

    EXEC Members get preferred rates on all services. 

Mental Wellness Benefits

Organizations should make mental health benefits readily accessible to their members, especially with the large number available on the market. Resources such as therapy and counselors should not be stigmatized, and offering them as a perk of your association makes it a point that the company culture values self-care. 

• • Calmerry is a subscription service that provides licensed and verified therapists whenever and wherever you need them.

    EXEC Members receive preferred rates on monthly subscriptions. 

• • FlexIt is an on-demand service that provides members with live 2-way private fitness, wellness sessions, and nutritional counseling. It’s an excellent option for those who find solace in physical activity.

    EXEC Members receive discounted rates on packages.

Communication is Key

In a world where treating one’s mental health can be so stigmatized, having an open-door policy will ensure your members feel comfortable enough to communicate their wants and needs. Being vulnerable and compassionate with one another is key to a healthy environment where everyone on the team feels safe and inspired.

The rollercoaster of supporting one's mental health is just as essential and prevalent to those in the C-suite; modeling healthy behavior and discussing ways to support each other's well-being is fundamental. 

Wrapping Up

A team functions at its prime when everyone feels valued and emotionally supported. Ensuring your organization provides its members with the best mental support is key to a long-lasting and lucrative environment.