Wellness Watch: The Opportunity of a Tabula Rasa

While there is no doubt that the role of a founder presents many difficult challenges, one of the significant benefits is having the unique opportunity to start with a clean slate — a tabula rasa if you will —? to create a healthy organizational culture. A healthy culture defines the success of the organization, and in what is no surprise at all, it requires a mindful approach to how “business as usual” occurs.

A 2017 study published by the Behavioral Science and Policy Association showed that employees were 50 percent more likely to experience health problems in an uneasy or stressful work environment; a healthy organizational culture leads to a healthier workforce - both mentally and physically.?

As you are shaping your startup, be aware of these key areas that can have significant impact on your culture:

• Open communication: encouraging open and honest communication creates a space where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. Read that last part again: without fear of judgment or repercussions. As a founder you may find yourself being a bit territorial, be aware of your reactions.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: valuing and celebrating diversity promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion, which can help reduce stress and feelings of isolation. It’s important to remember that diversity alone is not enough. One of my favorite touchstones is a quote by Dr. Johnetta B. Cole , former president of Spellman College: “Diversity is when everyone is invited to the dance. Equity is when no one gets a special invitation. Inclusion is when everyone is asked to do their dance.”
• Supportive relationships: strong, positive relationships are key to mental health and well-being. Fostering supportive relationships among its members can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Supportive relationships flourish in an environment that is free from politics, assumes positive intent, encourages mentorship and cross-functional collaboration. As a founder its important that you yourself have a circle of trusted advisors. A healthy CEO creates healthy culture.
• Empathy and compassion: encouraging empathy and compassion helps to create a sense of community and connection among its members, which can improve mental health outcomes for everyone.
• Work-life balance with a healthy dose (pun intended) of self-care: recognizing that people need time for rest and relaxation, as well as time to pursue personal interests and hobbies and allowing prioritization of? self-care keeps your culture balanced and is a first-line of defense against burnout.
• Access to mental health resources: In addition to physical health resources, providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling and therapy is critical to a healthy corporate culture.

Over the years I’ve helped several founders work through their thought process as they determine what kind of company they want to build. The very first discussion is always surrounding culture. Make the healthy decisions now so that when the tough times come – and you know they will - the team is in a good position to respond from a place of resilience and strength.

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Get Immediate Help in a Crisis

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en espa?ol)

Use Lifeline Chat on the web (English only)

The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.?

Veterans Crisis Line Use Veterans Crisis Chat on the web

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.

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Maryalice has been leading, coaching, and generally encouraging people for over 30 years in the fields of hospitality, human resources, and training & development. Currently, she is the Vice-President of Administration & Talent for?QED Investors .