3 Concrete Steps to Creating a Positive Mental Health Culture

Mental health in the workplace.

The false dichotomy often trumpeted of systemic vs behavioural is the road to nowhere; i.e., optimisations on both fronts are necessary.

Below are 3 first steps which can have a huge impact — and if these can be improved upon, let's share for the benefit of all :)

NB: (I've seen the tik-tok videos questioning the effectiveness of 'webinars', and instead of polarising the issue, a more nuanced analysis may prevail?)

First steps:

?? 1. Mental Health Conversations for MANAGERS (4-hour training)

Why:?

Managers have a role-model function and can influence team culture tremendously when they talk openly about mental health. By raising the issue it helps to break down the taboo, which is the?main reason people?suffer in silence, and don’t get the help they need?in order to recover.

Employees' direct managers are on the frontline and therefore in the the best position to notice changes in the team and react early. Early intervention reduces negative consequences of mental health challenges not only for the effected employee, but also for the organisation.?

Managers learn how to

• recognise the signs of a mental health challenge
• when to intervene
• what to say and how to say it
• practise mental health first-aid conversations
• support an employee facing a mental health challenge
• create a positive outcome for self, company and employee

?? 2. Mental Health First Aid Training for EMPLOYEES?

(12-hour training divided into 2-hour sessions)

Why:?

Helps to create a culture where people see the humanity; that we are all more similar than different. We all have been through challenges, and we are all on different stages of the journey. We can all support each other! What a concept!

• destigmatizes the topic
• increases empathy
• employees learn skills to recognise the signs of mental health challenges
• employees learn how to support colleagues, friends, and loved ones
• employees practise having mental health first aid conversations

?? 3. Regular (e.g., monthly) workshops on skills which bolster mental health and well-being at it's root

(2 - 3 hour sessions on emotional intelligence)

- stress management

- letting go of perfectionism

- cognitive behavioural therapy techniques

- communication skills

Why:?

We feel the way we think. A human need paramount to mental health and well-being is a sense of 'certainty'. The world is facing monumental disruption and changes at the moment ('uncertainty')! The ultimate 'certainty' is knowing you have the skills to best manage your emotional state despite the outside situation.?

These workshops show you how to do this...

?? 4. I have many more suggestions, but instead...

Your thoughts :)?

Why?

Let's bring them together and see what we can create!

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Travis Simlinger is the founder of 'Progressive Coaching' in Zurich, Switzerland.?Click here for more information.