The Winning Formula: Mental Health, Empathy & Success

How to effectively manage conflict and wellness with intentionality.

Hey peacemakers!!

Today marks the observance of Global Mental Health Day, and it’s a timely reminder of how intertwined our well-being is tied to our "actual and perceived" success, both personally and professionally.

The exhausting juggle between demanding work environments and equally demanding home lives has become the norm for many. This seesaw, coupled with the ambition to make strides in our careers, can lead to overwhelming mental fatigue. But the cost of this fatigue isn't just personal—it's global. Anxiety and depression alone levy a staggering cost of US $1 trillion on the global economy. Furthermore, a comprehensive 2022 Workplace Survey pointed out that 92% of employees grapple with mental health challenges that directly impact their work performance. Have you seen signs of this in your agency?

So, how do we reverse this?

1. Daily Self-Care Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

The journey begins within. You have heard the term the enemy is your "inner me" which paralyzes a plethora of working people as they navigate hybrid workplaces, demanding work schedules, and longer work days, with shorter pay. Something has to give before your health does. How? Allocate time, however little, to engage in activities that rejuvenate you—reading, meditating, a hobby, or just unplugging. The message here is simple yet profound: Prioritize yourself. Period.

2. Set Boundaries

As highlighted in the [Forbes article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/onemind/2023/01/19/ceo-required-reading-2023-workplace-mental-health-resolutions/?sh=72595a8e5e97 ), it is essential for CEOs and leadership to create environments that respect employee well-being by realizing this is a two-way street. As individuals, we need to communicate and set boundaries to protect our mental space. Transparency and authenticity is paramount in thriving workplaces and these two imperatives must permeate throughout the organization, not just the front line. Remember, it’s not about working less but working smart and having open lines of communication coupled with emotional intelligence makes this possible.

3. Foster Empathy

Building an empathy lens is perhaps the most transformative change we can bring to our organizations. [APA’s report on workplace well-being](https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being ) illuminates the myriad benefits of empathetic leadership and a compassionate work culture. When we understand and respect the struggles of our peers, it creates a culture of support. This is reinforced when we have healthy boundaries at work and home and are not caused to feel guilty by prioritizing oneself. The dividends? Increased loyalty, creativity, and overall productivity.

Call to Action

On this Global Mental Health Day, let’s pledge to bring about these shifts in our professional and personal lives. Let's transform our actions, wellness and mindset not just for ourselves, but for our teams, our organizations, and for the larger society that relies on the ripple effects of our well-being.

Remember, success isn’t solely defined by how much you achieve but by how you achieve it. A mentally healthy, empathetic, and balanced approach isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.

Remember to engage in self-care daily, set those boundaries, and let's lead with empathy. Here’s to a winning culture and living in joy!

In solidarity,

Dawn Stone, aka The Conflict Chick

For more in-depth reading check these out and let me know your thoughts and experiences in creating an empathy filled organization or team:

- [CEO Required Reading: 2023 Workplace Mental Health Resolutions](https://www.forbes.com/sites/onemind/2023/01/19/ceo-required-reading-2023-workplace-mental-health-resolutions/?sh=72595a8e5e97 )

- [APA’s Statement on Workplace Well-being](https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/surgeon-general-workplace-well-being )

- [Workplace Health and Wellness in the US](https://www.statista.com/topics/3275/workplace-health-and-wellness-in-the-us/ )

- [APA’s 2023 Report on Workplace Health & Well-being](https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being )