TBN #11
Chag Sameach 🕎
Content Warning: my intro this week discusses mental health with references to suicide, anxiety, and depression. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources
Last week after the news of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ unexpected death, I needed to process the situation. I would have mentioned this in last week’s newsletter but I did not have the words to share with all of you. Honestly, I still do not have the most eloquent words to share. What I know is that tWitch’s death was a reminder that we don’t always know what someone’s experiencing or the status of their mental health. This may make you feel helpless. But there are things we can do. For example, we can help create conditions that promote well-being.
A couple of months ago, United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new framework for mental health and well-being to outline the role workplaces should play in promoting mental health wellness of workers. Why does this matter? According to the report…
76% of U.S. workers in a 2021 survey reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression), an increase of 17 percentage points in just 2 years
81% of workers reported that they will be looking for workplaces that support mental health in the future
84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that had a negative impact on their mental health
Here are key takeaways from the framework including actions you can take to support mental wellness at work.
To promote practices that better assure protection from harm, workplaces can:
prioritize workplace physical and psychological safety
enable adequate rest
normalize and support focusing on mental health
operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) norms, policies, and programs
To promote practices that better assure connection and community, workplaces can:
create cultures of inclusion and belonging
cultivate trusted relationships
foster collaboration and teamwork
To promote practices that better assure work-life harmony, workplaces can:
provide more autonomy over how work is done
make schedules as flexible and predictable as possible
increase access to paid leave
respect boundaries between work and non-work time
To better assure a culture of mattering at work, workplaces can:
provide a living wage
engage workers in workplace decisions
build a culture of gratitude and recognition
connect individual work with organizational mission
To promote practices that better assure opportunities for growth, workplaces can:
offer quality training, education, and mentoring
foster clear, equitable pathways for career advancement
ensure relevant, reciprocal feedback
By promoting and implementing the practices outlined in this framework, we not only support the mental wellness of employees, but we also help make organizations more humane places to work. I encourage you to spend time reading about the framework and download the full report.
Extra credit: Share with your colleagues and come up with a plan to better support mental wellness at work. And, remember to take time for your own mental wellness.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Sincerely,
Your favorite CDO
Amber Benton
WEEKLY UPDATE
CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Hanukkah (December 18-December 26)
Christmas (December 25)
Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1, 2023)
OOO replies to set workplace boundaries
A first for the White House
Indigenous communities call for Avatar boycott
Companies faking their DEI strategy
Winter weather amplifies food insecurity. If you have the means, donate to end hunger in America or hunger amongst seniors or world hunger
New bill introduced to help teacher shortage and increase pay. Support the bill by engaging with your US representative.
Crown Act legislation was not passed. Find out which states passed the Crown Act.
More reason to love Namor
BENTON’S BASICS: SUPPORTING JEWISH COLLEAGUES
Long story short…
Chag Sameach (Happy Hanukkah in Hebrew)!
Here are some ways to support Jewish colleagues during Hanukkah:
avoid scheduling late meetings or work events
allow flexibility to take the day off or leave work early
add nights of Hanukkah to your team calendar
Here are ways to support Jewish colleagues year-round:
educate yourself and your teams on antisemitism
respect Jewish holidays by including them on your team calendar
check in on your Jewish colleagues especially after antisemitic events
speak out against antisemitism at work.
Learn more at Harvard Business Review
STUDY HALL: INCLUSION IN WORK POLICIES
Christian privilege is real. Let’s learn how to incorporate people who are not Christian in work policies.
HOMEWORK: SNOW’D IN
What I’m Reading 📖: Taking a pause on How to Be Perfect to finish an audiobook (see below).
What I’m Watching 📺: Binge watching Emily in Paris on Netflix until it’s time to watch holiday movies.
What I’m Listening To 🎙️: This free Audible book, Let It Snow, by Michelle Stimpson
DANCE BREAK: COZY
A blizzard is heading to my area today so Beyoncé’s “Cozy” is the perfect song for an indoor dance party.
Comfortable in my skin
Cozy with who I am
DOUBLE TAP: WHO I’M FOLLOWING
Follow Dinos and Comics for wholesome content to fill your feed. You can also visit their website.
I’d love to hear from you!
What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.
