Mental Health: It Matters in the Workplace!

This is Becoming Inclusive from The Kaleidoscope Group, where we’re thinking differently about diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more empowered people at work. We’re committed to real change and that begins with real conversations. Welcome in.

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, in the May 20 episode of our Becoming Inclusive Podcast, hosts Reggie Ponder and Kat Potts were joined by Global Engagement Leader and Organizational Psychologist  Trisha Carter who shared her expertise on the intersections between mental wellness and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

The conversation kicked off with Ponder playing “devil’s advocate” confessing that given his generation and cultural background, he had doubts about the concept of employees bringing their “whole selves” to the workplace, reflecting a real sentiment among some leaders that employees were expected to just do their jobs, leaving any personal struggles to their private lives. In other words, “show up, but leave the baggage behind.” While we all psychologically compartmentalize things to try to maintain a manageable work-life balance, Potts and Carter explained that our personal lives do indeed impact our professional lives and vice-versa.  

That being understood, if we accept the premise that bringing our whole selves to the workplace is essential then leaders need to consider what they can do to foster a more supportive work environment where people can truly shine and do their very best work through programs and initiatives that help them stay focused on the job responsibilities, but without ignoring the challenges they may face at home or personally.

Thanks for joining us, and a special thanks to our subscribers. Consider becoming one today. Becoming Inclusive is presented by The Kaleidoscope Group, your full-service Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partner serving clients worldwide. Learn more and continue the conversation and kgdiversity.com