Darrell "Coach D" Andrews’ Post

Over the next two months, I will share my "Empowering Self-Care In The Workplace" Keynotes and Training Jacksonville SHRM, GOSHRM-The Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management, and other locations. This recent report by SHRM shows why this is a major topic for the workplace. Anxiety is the #1 # mental health challenge in the workplace, per the research. Wellness is a major problem nationally post-pandemic, but it is a huge problem in the workplace! We play a small role in the high picture, for the experts are needed to deal with this at a deeper level, but it is a critical piece to help employees take ownership of their wellness journey. The workplace can no longer afford to ignore this. Big or small. Is yours? Let's talk. https://lnkd.in/euStPGsZ

A wellness program is about so much more than getting employees to be physically fit! Yes, it is an important aspect however, total wellbeing is built on 4 foundational pillars to make sure that every aspect of your employee's wellbeing is covered. Mental health is 1 of the 4 pillars that I love diving into when I partner with a company. Looking to learn more on this pillar as well as the other 3? Message me or email me at calliefitconsulting@gmail.com so we can establish what wellness could look like in your company! #hr #hrcommunity #mentalhealth #wellness #wellnessprogram https://lnkd.in/g4sXwpA4

Mental health issues in the workplace have risen to a critical level of concern within the business world, especially in the context of the post-pandemic world. Anxiety is no stranger to the workplace. Let’s delve into some key insights: Lost Productivity and Financial Impact: According to the World Health Organization, approximately 12 billion working days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, resulting in a staggering cost of around US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity. (1) Workplace Well-Being: Nearly half (48%) of employees report a decline in their mental well-being, and 60% feel emotionally detached at work. (2) Recommendation: Prioritizing employee well-being is crucial for maintaining a productive workforce. Stigma and Recognition: Only 13% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health in the workplace. (2) Encouragingly, 70% of U.S. employers now recognize mental health as a significant workplace issue. (3) Strategic Approach Needed: While 67% of senior leaders express commitment to workforce mental health, most employers are not approaching it strategically. (2) Redesigning Work Environment: About 48% of organizations are redesigning the work environment to improve psychological well-being. (4) Addressing mental health stigma and implementing strategic initiatives are essential steps toward creating a supportive and thriving work environment. (1) Mental health at work (who.int) (2) 53 workplace mental health statistics you can’t ignore in 2024 (spill.chat) (3) Workplace Mental Health Study Findings a 'Wake-Up Call' » CBIA (4) It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work (hbr.org)

Recent findings from ComPsych reveal a concerning trend: anxiety has become the most prevalent mental health issue among U.S. workers, with nearly a quarter seeking help in 2023. This escalation, surpassing depression, stress, and other challenges, signals a crucial moment for workplace mental health support. The surge in anxiety reflects the impact of recent global events, economic pressures, and societal shifts, emphasizing the need for employers to enhance mental health strategies. Ensuring that support systems are accessible and meet employees' needs is essential in navigating this complex landscape. Notably, the increase in mental health-related absences, especially among female and younger employees, demands immediate attention. These trends represent significant impacts on individual well-being and organizational health. Leadership plays a pivotal role in this context. Creating a supportive environment that acknowledges burnout, encourages open discussions about mental health, and provides comprehensive support is paramount. Employers can offer resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health days, and a culture that values well-being. By viewing this data as a catalyst for positive change, we can demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee wellness. I encourage you to read more about this pressing issue and explore how we can collectively address it in this informative article from SHRM below. What initiatives has your organization implemented to support mental health? Sharing insights and strategies can help us foster healthier, more resilient workplaces. #MentalHealthAwareness #WorkplaceWellness #Leadership #ViscardiInsights

A focus on workplace mental health and a focus on DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) go hand-in-hand. When HR leaders emphasize mental health and DEIB initiatives, it shows they intend to invest in their employees and empower them to thrive. 🙌 We’ve created a roadmap for a more equitable and inclusive workplace, including how to work with mental health benefits, how to leverage mental health tools for both employees and HR leaders, and more. Learn more at the link below:  https://lnkd.in/gPK-eqJd

The workplace matters so much to health that the US Surgeon General released a framework on workplace mental health and well-being centered on worker voice and equity. It emphasizes protection from harm, connection and community, work-life harmony, mattering at work and opportunity for growth. There's no better time to put these into practice. https://lnkd.in/geMTAQqS

Prioritizing Employee Mental Health Based on a SHRM sample study of 1405 workers from early 2024, 39% reported that their employers pretended to care about the mental health of their staff, signaling organizations to reevaluate their policies and how they can better implement for improved change. To stave off employee burnout, which can increase turnover and affect a company’s bottom line, creating a culture where taking earned time off is not frowned upon nor difficult to process through HR is a good starting place. Emphasizing the importance of employee wellness including mental health from the head of leadership down is paramount. Modeling behavior in the workplace will prove a safe and supported space that prioritizes a healthy work/life balance. For more tips click below: https://lnkd.in/g739uW4y

What we've come to realize is that employees genuinely desire for their fundamental needs to be met. Employees want to be part of a culture where their well-being is a 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, not an afterthought. They want to work in an environment that acknowledges the importance of their physical and mental health and actively supports them in maintaining it. They want to be part of a workplace where well-being is not just an add-on but integrated into the very core of organizational culture. Prospective clients and those alike will ask me what is one of the main things I like about Brown & Brown and the answer is, and always will be the same - 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘! Our senior leadership does an amazing job at creating a unique, inviting and wonderful culture that provides valuable tools & resources, and we like to pass that along to our clients! With the start of a new month and new year, there's many exciting things ahead - 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝! Our National Behavior Health Leader, Joel Axler MD, FAPA, has put together 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 to help your organization develop practices that best support your workers. If you're looking for ways to provide to your employees in what they're seeking, it's never too late to discuss how we can help! #JanuaryMentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BBInsuranceTN #BBPowerOfWE https://lnkd.in/ge8mX_Vz

Anxiety Is Now the Top Mental Health Issue in the Workplace Kathryn Mayer Anxiety has skyrocketed in recent years, now becoming the top mental health issue plaguing workers, new data shows. An analysis of more than 300,000 U.S. cases from mental health provider ComPsych found that nearly a quarter of people (24 percent) who reached out to ComPsych for mental health assistance in 2023 did so to get help with anxiety. That makes anxiety the No. 1 presenting issue reported by U.S. workers, topping depression, stress, relationship issues, family issues, addiction and grief, ComPsych said. [SHRM Toolkit: Creating a Mental-Health-Friendly Workplace] Anxiety has risen dramatically over the years, ComPsych said. In 2017, for instance, anxiety didn’t rank in the top five presenting issues for Americans. Richard Chaifetz, founder, CEO and chairman of ComPsych, said the rise of anxiety isn’t particularly surprising considering the series of stressful occurrences over the past few years. “From the pandemic to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, civil unrest, an unpredictable economy and increasingly polarized political rhetoric surrounding elections, there is a persistent underlying feeling of apprehension and worry,” he said. [SHRM Research: Work Is Negatively Impacting Employees’ Mental Health] The data is the latest indicator of the rise of mental health issues afflicting employees and is a call to action for employers. Industry experts, including Chaifetz, contend that organizations would be well served to take a hard look at their mental health benefits and resources—making sure they are robust and well utilized by employees. We rounded up additional stories from SHRM Online about the state of mental health in the workplace. Mental Health-Related Absences Up 33% in 2023 ComPsych’s new report on anxiety comes just weeks after it released other analysis finding that mental health-related leaves of absence are surging in the workplace, up 33 percent in 2023 over 2022. [SHRM resource: Mental Health] Employee leaves of absence for mental health issues are up a whopping 300 percent from 2017 to 2023. A leave of absence, ComPsych said, can vary from a few days to weeks. Female employees and younger workers, in particular, are driving the surge. In 2023, 69 percent of mental health-related leaves of absence were taken by women. Of these, 33 percent were taken by Millennial women, followed by Generation X women, who accounted for 30 percent of mental health-related leaves. (SHRM Online) State of ‘Permacrisis’ Taking a Hit on Employees’ Mental Health Source: #shrm #منابع_انسانی #آموزش #جذب #استخدام #توسعه #L&D #DE&I #hr #recruitment

Mental health support in the workplace is vital for employers to provide to employees. Not only to offer mental health benefits but also actively encourage their utilization by employees. This SHRM article highlighted that employees often feel reluctant to take advantage of these benefits when they see their leaders not utilizing them. This creates a gap where mental health resources are discussed but not fully integrated into the organizational culture. Key benefits that employees value include paid time off, mental health days, and flexible schedules. However, these benefits are only meaningful if employees feel empowered to use them. Shockingly, 50% of employees feel uncomfortable accessing mental health benefits when leadership does not set the example. Moreover, one-third of workers expressed willingness to switch jobs for better mental health support. Leaders cannot underestimate the impact of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being. By actively promoting and utilizing mental health benefits, organizations can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and cared for. It's time to bridge the gap between discussing mental health support and making it an integral part of our workplace culture. #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellness