By Jim Mikula, President/CEO
Next Wednesday, November 13, the Chamber will host its last Leaders Breakfast of this series at the Ballroom in the Historic Nimitz Hotel. The topic is “Focus on Mental Health.” There will be presentations by a panel of experts who will share information on mental health in our community and the support resources available here. Panelists are: Valerie Elkins. Co-Founder of Texas Wine Auction (charitable organization focused on mental wellness in the hospitality/wine industry); Rhonda Gross, Psychologist with Texas Psychological and Needs Council; Randa Kirchner, LCSW, Hospice Director at Methodist Hospital Hill Country; and Chief Brian Vorauer, Fredericksburg Police Department. Jayne Pope of Create Healthy will moderate the program.
According to USA Facts (www.usafacts.org), nearly 23% of adults have a mental illness which equates to two in every nine adults. The 18-25 age group has the highest rate of mental illness at 22%. Texas has approximately 21% of adults with mental illness—over 6,000,000 Texans. This suggests there could be as many as 5,000 Gillespie residents may be in need of help with their mental health. In my opinion, this Leaders Breakfast topic is timely and important to our collective quality of life.
In recent years, I have been active in the wellness sector of the hospitality industry. I was on the Global Wellness Institute’s task force during the pandemic to identify protocols for operating hot springs and spas during the Covid pandemic. As we worked on protocols it became apparent that, as an industry, we were not paying enough attention to mental health and wellness of our employees. It is not much of a leap to think that other industries may not either.
Our task force developed some recommendations for businesses that rely on hourly staff to deliver services. As with any part of workplace culture, leadership plays a crucial role. By modeling good mental health practices, leaders can create an environment that encourages employees to prioritize their own well-being. Here are several effective strategies for leaders to demonstrate and promote mental wellness in the workplace.
Model Healthy Behaviors: Leaders should actively demonstrate self-care and healthy work-life balance. This includes sharing personal experiences related to mental health, such as taking breaks, attending therapy, or practicing mindfulness.
Foster Open Communication: Leaders should encourage open dialogue about mental health and ensure that employees can share their concerns with their leadership without fear of stigma or reprisal. Regular check-ins with individuals by leaders can provide opportunities for people to express their feelings and discuss any challenges they may be facing. Sincere concern and ongoing support helps build trust and reinforces the idea that mental wellness is a shared priority.
Provide Resources and Training: Leaders should ensure that employees are aware of available mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and counseling services. Investing in training for both leaders and employees on mental health awareness can equip the workforce with the skills needed to recognize and address mental health issues effectively.
Create a Supportive Culture: Leaders must cultivate an organizational culture that prioritizes both physical and mental wellness. This involves integrating mental health into company values and policies, celebrating individual achievements, and promoting self-care practices within the team.
Take Care of Your Own Well-Being: Finally, leaders must prioritize their own mental health. Just as airline safety instructions advise putting on your own oxygen mask first, leaders need to manage their well-being to effectively support their teams. Recognizing that their mental wellness impacts team dynamics fosters a healthier work environment overall.
By adopting these strategies, leaders can effectively model good mental health practices, creating a supportive atmosphere where employees feel empowered to prioritize their own well-being. This commitment not only enhances individual employee satisfaction but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce.
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