Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024 - 51

L&D CAN CREATE AN
ENVIRONMENT WHERE
EMPLOYEES FEEL
EMPOWERED TO PRIORITIZE
THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
If you're interested in learning
more about mental health
literacy and enhancing
psychological well-being in the
workplace:Consider time zones:
If you have a global audience,
account for after-hours delivery
to ensure international audiences
feel included.
INCREASING MENTAL
HEALTH LITERACY
* Individual level: Equipping employees
with the necessary knowledge and
skills to identify and address mental
health challenges is an important first
step. Comprehensive mental health
education programs can include
training sessions and workshops
such as mental health first aid or
mental health awareness training.
These provide employees with
information about early warning signs
and self-care strategies, enabling
them to proactively manage their
mental well-being.
In addition to
simply
educating
individuals on signs and symptoms,
education needs to also be paired with
promoting help-seeking behaviors and
access to interventions. This includes
information about how to access
employee assistance programs (EAPs),
mental health resources and employee
resource groups (ERGs). Consider the
employee lifecycle when designing
training, being
thoughtful to include
in onboarding and throughout their
tenure with the organization. As policies
and procedures change, so should
communication with the employees.
While awareness campaigns provide
value, skill-building is also important.
Training centered on resiliencebuilding,
emotional intelligence
and stress management can be
beneficial. Other important topics
include time management, setting
Through early intervention efforts,
resilience-building initiatives and
effective leadership practices,
workplaces can cultivate a culture
of well-being that not only enhances
employee satisfaction and productivity
but also fosters a sense of community
and belonging. As organizations
continue to recognize the importance
of mental health in the workplace,
investing in preventive education and
addressing employees' needs will
TRAINING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2024 I WWW.TRAININGINDUSTRY.COM/MAGAZINE
and communicating boundaries and
managing up.
Consider adding mental health themes
in role-specific training. For example,
while learning about customer service,
there could be elements of navigating
conflict, coping with difficult customers
and how to elevate concerns to their
leader. By promoting these types of
training, employees feel empowered
with the skills to navigate challenges
while teaching ways to advocate for
their needs and capacity.
* Organizational level: By integrating
comprehensive education programs,
fostering a supportive culture and
garnering
leadership
prioritize
their
mental
support,
L&D can create an environment
where employees feel empowered
to
health.
Providing regular check-ins, employee
surveys and feedback mechanisms
gives opportunities for employees
to contribute to and shape the
future of support and change within
the organization.
Now is the time to prioritize preventative
mental health training for employees
and leaders. Organizations should
take action to implement holistic
interventions for mental health in the
workplace, starting with small steps.
Initiating resilience-building workshops,
mental health awareness training or
supportive leadership practices can
make a significant difference. By taking
these first steps, organizations move
closer to cultivating a culture of wellbeing,
leading to a healthier and happier
workplace for all.
Dr. Emiley Hedberg is a licensed
psychologist and serves as a senior
consultant with The Lumin Group, a firm
specializing in team and
development. Email Emiley
leadership
51
* American Psychiatric
Association Foundation -
Center for Workplace
Mental Health
* Mental Health First Aid
at Work
* Surgeon General's
Framework for Workplace
Mental Health and Well-Being
undoubtedly yield long-term benefits for
both employees and the organization as
a whole.
TAKING THE NEXT BEST STEP

https://trainingindustry.com/articles/professional-development/career-pathways-in-ld-how-to-manage-up-and-down-as-a-new-training-manager/ https://www.workplacementalhealth.org/ https://www.workplacementalhealth.org/ https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/workplace/ https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/workplace/ https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being/index.html https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/employee-assistance-program-eap/ https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/employee-resource-groups/ https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/employee-resource-groups/ https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine

Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024

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