The month of May is observed as Mental Health Awareness month across America. In aims of removing the stigma around mental health, organizations across the nation dedicate their time to bring awareness and resources to those in need. This month and all year long, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Learn more about the importance of mental health and the steps we’ve implemented for our team members.
Background on the Month
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed across America. Founder of the month-long campaign, Mental Health America, and other organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Hospital Association have fought tirelessly to eliminate the stigma around mental health. These organizations provide resources and tools for individuals who might be struggling, as well as educate individuals across America about the importance of mental health.
The Importance of Mental Health
Understanding your own mental health is an ongoing battle and includes understanding your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Left unaddressed, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.
Due to COVID-19, Americans nationwide have understandably struggled with their mental health. The lack of social interaction, increased stress and anxiety, and constant exposure to the news, has caused individuals to feel more alone in their struggles.
Knowing the impact of COVID-19 could have on individuals’ mental health, the Central for Disease Control provided resources, tools, and tips on the best ways to handle stress and anxiety, as well as ways to care for yourself during this time.
Steps lotus823 Implemented Towards Wellbeing
At lotus823, our people are our greatest asset, therefore, we take the well-being of our team members very seriously. When our team was forced to move to a completely remote work environment in March of 2020, we implemented new policies and programs that ensure a healthy work environment and align with our agency’s core values: continuous improvement, happiness, balance, dedication, integrity, empowerment, acceptance, and adaptability.
When it comes to ensuring balance and happiness, our team implemented a flexible work schedule that allows team members to set their own boundaries between work and their personal life. This gives team members control over their schedule, and the flexibility to take a moment to refresh during their day. In a survey with Mental Health America, FlexJobs reports that respondents found their mental health was much better with a flexible work schedule, including remote work. Our team accepts each other individually and empowers each team member to take control of their environment and schedule to increase productivity and overall happiness.
Since we are no longer able to see each other on a day-to-day basis, we quickly adapted and implemented the platform 15Five to keep our team connected. Through High Fives and weekly check-ins, we can show appreciation for each other and stay up to date with our team member’s progress, while staying true to our core values of adaptability. In addition to adapting 15Five, our team implemented virtual happy hours and coffee breaks to catch up with each other. This gives us the time to connect outside of our virtual work environment.
In order to stay on top of our team’s continuous improvement and dedication, we conduct weekly check-ins where team members meet individually with leadership. During this time, team members can discuss any problems or concerns they are experiencing, and leadership provides each team member with tips and tools to address their concerns. In addition, each team member has the opportunity to work on their own personal development plan which focuses on each team member’s ongoing goals.
Mental health is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Businesses across the nation should take their employees’ well-being seriously not only this month but all year long.