Odette School of Business - University of Windsor’s Post

Excited to share our latest publication, "Too Depressed and Anxious to Speak Up: Exploring Mental Health Variations and Workplace Silence", in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology with Anika E. Cloutier, Erica Carleton, PhD, & Daniel Samosh We set out to understand how fluctuations in employees' mental health impacts their tendency to remain silent at work. As predicted, we found that employees engaged in more silence during weeks in which they experienced elevated symptoms of (a) depression because it activates a sense that speaking up is pointless; and (b) anxiety because it activates a sense that speaking up is dangerous. However, we also found a silver lining... these relationships decreased during weeks when employees received recognition and support for their contributions. Accepting and/or offering support signaled to employees that speaking up is both worthwhile and safe, countering the negative impact of mental health challenges on silence. Two key takeaways: 1. Leaders must recognize the unseen ramifications of poor mental health. It manifests, in one way, as employees withholding critical ideas and concerns necessary for organizational success. Given that employees often showcase their competence and dedication at work by sharing ideas and raising concerns, our study highlights the risk of unintentional bias against employees experiencing mental health challenges. By being more likely to keep silent, they are less likely to stand out from the crowd. 2. Don't neglect the power of endorsement. Offering genuine support for employees' ideas can go a long way in dispelling negative thought patterns (e.g., "my ideas are dumb", "no one cares"), which are especially pronounced for people experiencing poorer mental health. Recognizing and crediting ideas can make a significant difference, regardless of managerial status. This study was inspired by many former students who shared their experiences of how mental health impacts their willingness to participate in class. Special thanks to Odette School of Business - University of Windsor for funding this research, and to our participants (many recruited via LinkedIn) for their invaluable time and contributions! Study link: https://lnkd.in/gDMgpkaV

⏰ Mid week Social - Every Wednesday 9 PM EST: Zoom link: https://lnkd.in/gfeavAd3 *Are you Sacrificing Authenticity for Approval?* How People Pleasing Undermines High Performers' Mental Health Research: A longitudinal study conducted by Robinson et al. (2021) and published in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that high-performing individuals who habitually engaged in people-pleasing exhibited higher levels of anxiety and perfectionism. The need to constantly meet others' expectations created a cycle of self-doubt and fear of failure, which ultimately compromised their mental well-being and ability to thrive. Research: A comprehensive meta-analysis by Jones and Williams (2022) in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology demonstrated that individuals who consistently suppressed feelings of discontent to please others experienced higher rates of emotional exhaustion and burnout. For high performers, this emotional toll not only affected their personal lives but also resulted in decreased productivity and effectiveness in their professional roles. 🧑💻👩💻Zoom Link: https://lnkd.in/d6HqZHNb #LetUsTalkIt #MidWeekSocial Snippets from past weeks: https://lnkd.in/g393bxGH

Check out this informative discussion paper on the relationship between work and mental health! It provides an insightful overview of the current state of knowledge to inform research, policy, and practice. Click the link below to read and enhance your understanding of this important topic. #mentalhealth #worklifebalance https://lnkd.in/efr5Bwg8

WELL - MIND Mental health is a fundamental component of human health across all stages of life and is vital for the physical and social well-being of all individuals, communities and societies. It is a state of well-being, in which individuals are able to live to their fullest potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their community. Approximately two-thirds of individuals experiencing common mental health conditions are employed. The impact of mental health in the workplace is profound, with depression and anxiety alone costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion due to lost productivity. Despite its enormous global impact, worldwide spending on mental health is less than $2 per person. The built environment serves as a powerful tool to help mitigate these adverse mental health outcomes through policies, programs and design. Given the high prevalence of mental health conditions among the working population, the workplace is increasingly being seen as an important target for mental health promotion, prevention and interventions. There are many strategies organisations can take to promote mental health, including: improvements to mental health literacy and efforts to reduce stigma; provision of healthy living and working conditions for all, including organisational improvements to promote positive work environments and provision of stress management programs; and strategies that address gaps in access to and use of care by supporting access to mental health, substance use and addiction services and treatment. Lastly, design strategies, such as increasing nature contact within built spaces, has been linked with numerous health promoting benefits, including decreased levels of depression and anxiety, increased attentional capacity, better recovery from job stress and illness, increased pain tolerance and increased psychological well-being. There are 11 sub-categories (features) in the MIND category (feature). 2 are pre-conditions (mandatory) & 9 are optimisation (elective credits). #personaldevelopment #rejuvenatelife #recrovida #wellbeing #personaldevelopment #sustainability #wellcertified #consulting

Facing Imposter Syndrome During Mental Health Awareness Month Clare Josa, researcher and author of 'Ditching Imposter Syndrome,' reminds us of its distinct impact on individuals and teams, with a particular insight into how it affects men and women differently. It's said that many men tend to persevere through Imposter Syndrome, often at a significant cost to their mental well-being. This determination to push forward can lead to hidden mental health struggles in future. Women may find themselves held back by Imposter Syndrome, missing opportunities to shine and opt-out of pursuing well-deserved promotions. Team performance and dynamics are affected, as is overall productivity. Clare's research underscores how Imposter Syndrome can even drive star performers to leave their companies. It can give rise to addictions, mental health challenges, subconscious self-sabotage, and a toxic work environment, all of which deeply affect the workforce. Imposter Syndrome is a complex adversary, often triggered by adverse circumstances such as discrimination, but it can also be triggered by seemingly positive events like a promotion or recognition for a job well done. Leaders in organisations can play a pivotal role in creating supportive, safe and nurturing workplaces. It also calls for individuals to take proactive steps to help themselves, fostering a culture of self-compassion and growth. Let us use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to spark conversations, extend a compassionate hand, and collectively work towards building a more inclusive, understanding, and mentally healthy society. #wellbeing #leadership #mentalhealth #organisationalculture

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬’ 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲⁣ ⁣ Why do so many employees feel that their company's mental health initiatives are just for show? ⁣ ⁣ Here’s a real look at why well-intentioned programs fail: ⁣ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: There's a profound lack of understanding about what mental health really entails. Companies frequently conflate mental health conditions with mental illnesses, applying one-size-fits-all solutions that miss the mark. This misunderstanding leads to ineffective policies that don't address specific needs or promote genuine well-being.⁣ ⁣ 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Our workplaces react to mental health trends instead of leading with innovative, informed strategies. This trend-chasing leads to superficial initiatives that fail to make a substantial difference in employees' lives, contributing to ongoing issues with stress and dissatisfaction at work.⁣ ⁣ 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: By focusing predominantly on organizational structures and efficiencies, companies neglect the human aspect of their operations. This oversight not only stifles HR's potential to lead in fostering genuine employee well-being but also perpetuates a cycle of disengagement and high turnover.⁣ ⁣ Just a HR girl who happens to have a mental health background who now understands what made the world of HR so challenging for me at once 🤷🏽♀️. ⁣ ⁣ I can help if you are ready to be innovative, proactive and on the leading edge side.

When work stress strikes, most of us will reach for anything and everything to feel better. An impulse purchase. A blood-pumping spin class. A drink with a friend. But what if instead of waiting for everything to fall apart, we practiced preventive self-care? Preventative self-care is a cornerstone practice of combating burnout, according to Minaa B., a social worker, author, and mental health educator. In times of mental turmoil, human brains aren’t adept at deciding which wellness practice will better their situation. “Burnout is a form of mental and emotional exhaustion. So when you’re experiencing that mental exhaustion, that also means that your executive functioning skills (the parts of the brain that help with problem-solving, analysis, and mood regulation) are struggling,” explains Minaa. Here's how to choose your preventative self-care practices: https://lnkd.in/gZfEPWNg

🌟 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🌟 Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? It's a time to reflect on the profound impact mental health has on our lives, especially in our professional spheres. Behind every statistic lies a person—a colleague, a friend, or maybe even yourself—struggling silently with mental health challenges. In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to excel professionally often comes at a cost to our mental well-being. The reality is: - 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. - Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion in lost productivity annually. - 63% of employees say they have experienced high levels of stress at work, leading to burnout and decreased performance. - Untreated mental health issues can spiral into absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased healthcare costs for both employers and employees. These statistics represent more than just numbers; they represent real people facing uphill battles daily. As we pursue our careers, let's remember the human element. Let's create workplaces where vulnerability is not weakness but strength, where support is abundant, and where mental health is given the priority it deserves. This month, let's pledge to lift each other up, to listen without judgment, and to cultivate environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, let's raise awareness, advocate for change, and prioritize mental wellness in all aspects of our professional lives. Because behind every successful team is a workforce that's mentally thriving. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #WorkplaceWellness #EndTheStigma

Mental health problems and disorders are common among working people and are costly for the affected individuals, employers, and the whole of society. This article discusses the current knowledge on the relationship between work and mental health. It looks at both the role of working conditions in the development of mental disorders and what can be done to protect and promote mental health in the workplace—a fascinating read. https://lnkd.in/ersvpWUc

🔬 Exploring Latest Research in Psychology: Unveiling Insights on Stressful Jobs and Mental Health! 🌟 Stay abreast of cutting-edge psychological research as we shed light on the impact of work on our mental well-being. 🧠✨ 🔍 Post #5: Unraveling the Nexus: Stressful Jobs and Mental Health Challenges 💼💔: Research by University of Michigan, 2022. Join us as we delve into the realm of occupational stress and its profound effects on mental health. Discover the latest research findings that shed light on the unique challenges faced by individuals in high-stress jobs. Prepare to gain valuable insights into creating healthier work environments and nurturing mental wellness, fostering a happier and more productive workforce. 💙🌟 #curiousinsights #beyou #findyourbalance