Going Back to Work on Your Mental Health
When one family member suffers from a mental illness, the entire family is impacted. I know about this firsthand because I cared for my bipolar mother. It is not easy to focus on work when a loved one is struggling at home. A supportive workplace community would have made all the difference for me. Then, many years later I would be diagnosed with depression myself. This time I was in an organization with a mental health Employee Resource Group (ERG) that was filled with a supportive and nurturing community. For the very first time, I didn’t feel the need to hide that part of me.
More organizations are starting to do the right thing by helping their employees navigate the challenges of caring for a mentally ill loved one or dealing with their mental illness. 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the start of the pandemic. Given the impact that the pandemic has had on our mental health, organizations that are making this a priority are already starting to stand out from the rest.
One of the most impactful ways an organization can help its people is by creating an Employee Resource Group (ERG). These groups play such a valuable role because of the support system they offer employees. Employees who have navigated their mental health challenges and darkness and have reached the other side represent hope. If they are willing to share, their lived mental health experience is invaluable for a peer who is struggling. And, hope combined with the power of human connection can make all the difference in empowering someone who is navigating a mental health circumstance. Have a listen to my recent interview with the founder of the Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group at Splunk, Stefanie Hoffman.
I can remember my situation when I was newly diagnosed with depression. It was awkward and embarrassing. Once I got past the fear of sharing, I was comforted by my colleagues who genuinely understood my situation. There was deep empathy because at one point in their life they had experienced the same emotional pain I was feeling. This connection helped me feel less alone when I needed it the most.
I have always believed in the power of employee resource groups because they can provide a safe space for employees to share concerns with others who may have similar experiences and create a sense of belonging. And feelings of belonging have a strong correlation to commitment and motivation at work. Now more than ever, we must consider the mental health of our staff. After a long pandemic, for the first time so many have felt a decline in their emotional well-being. We need to be mindful of that as we ask them to return to the office. Simple structures like ERGs can help make a real difference for the individual employee while even increasing employee retention and motivation.
Is it time for your organization to launch their own mental health ERG?
Remember that you + me = a better world. So, please share this article with others.
Want to help your people leaders elevate their confidence in supporting the well-being of their people? Register for my FREE upcoming session “Leading During a Period of Emotional Exhaustion” https://www.eventbrite.com/o/michelle-e-dickinson-30321474900
Join my network and connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-mm-7882013
