How to celebrate 'White January' in the company?
Several discussions gained prominence due to the pandemic, and mental health was one of those topics. It was more present in the corporate world, which ended up encouraging many companies to change their approach and look more closely at their employees.
In addition to dealing with the coronavirus, which has drastically changed our routine despite things already being better, we also have to deal with the consequences of these changes, which have made rates of depression, anxiety, stress and other mental illnesses increased alarmingly.
In May 2020, O Bem do Estar Institute and NOZ Research and Intelligence carried out a survey in Brazil, with more than 1,500 people. This study showed that 53% of respondents had mood changes due to isolation and other issues related to the pandemic, such as fear and uncertainty.
At the beginning of the year, it is very common for us to reflect more on our lives in all areas, and of course, health, both physical and mental, would not be left out of these thoughts. Therefore, in January, the 'White January' Brazilian campaign that aims to draw our attention to psychological health issues.
Check out some ideas on how to promote actions with this purpose in companies:
- Lectures, conversation circles and workshops with a mental health specialist;
One of the most efficient treatments for different types of mental illness is psychological counseling. Bringing in a specialist to discuss this issue with employees can be the first step towards them seeking help or encouraging another colleague to seek treatment. Getting a discounted partnership can be of great help to employees.
- Bring the subject to the internal communication;
Talking about mental health is still a taboo for many, but addressing this subject is important, precisely to demystify this prejudice that still hangs over it. Focus on related topics, such as: healthy eating, exercise, hobbies... and how they can be efficient in caring for mental health.
- Remind employees about medical insurance and available specialties such as psychiatry and psychology;
If the company offers a health plan for employees, it is interesting to check whether it has the specialties mentioned above. Encourage employees to use them whenever necessary.
- Invest in humanization actions and programs in the workplace;
Today, there is a range of options on how to implement humanization actions, and transform the company into a more pleasant and welcoming place. See which strategy makes the most sense for your reality and ask your employees for their opinion to understand if you are going the right way.
- Week with activities such as yoga and guided meditation;
Invite a professional to give a “lesson”, and encourage employees to participate! Practicing some physical activity is also part of self-care and is very important.
- Empower your leaders;
A leader must be a good example to be followed, after all, their power of influence can make an employee reproduce or agree with different positions, and so far that's fine, as long as these positions are positive, right? With this in mind, it is important that you offer these leaders the conditions to develop a conscientious and psychologically stable performance, where their followers feel comfortable with their empathy and attitude.
Mental disorders are like a silent pandemic that has been growing year by year. We need to talk more about the subject and discuss it daily, to show that taking care of our mind is as important as taking care of our physical health.
In September this year, B2 held a Webinar with the Integral Health Manager at Grupo Boticário, Suelen Rodrigues, to talk about Health in the Corporate World, and you can watch it clicking here.
