America was experiencing a mental health crisis even before the current pandemic, with American Psychology Association research showing that mental and emotional health issues “increased significantly” over the last decade. But the pandemic has exacerbated it, and the effects this challenge has had in the workplace. Consider that:
- 75% of U.S. workers have struggled at work due to anxiety caused by the pandemic
- 4 out of 5 workers find it hard to “shut off” in the evenings
- 45% of workers say they feel less healthy mentally while working from home.
With Mental Health Awareness Month beginning tomorrow, The Week has pulled together a series of stories on the issue, what brands are doing and what individuals can do to manage this significant challenge.
Here are our picks of the week.
Four Ways Leaders Can Break Through Mental Health Stigma In The Workplace
Forbes
Mental health is a topic that affects virtually everybody, whether you have been afflicted personally, you have family or friends who are living with mental illness or you are working alongside somebody who is impacted. And remember — mental health isn’t discerning; it can affect anybody regardless of age, gender, nationality, wealth or career.
Dove and Lizzo Unite in Powerful Campaign Against Unrealistic Selfies
AdWeek
#TheSelfieTalk shows how manipulated photos leave young women feeling inadequate
Newsletter: How to boost mental health at your workplace
Los Angeles Times
The COVID-19 pandemic — which has added tremendous stress to our lives — may result in more awareness in the importance of mental health care, experts say.
Shortage in mental health services fans flames of employee burnout
DigiDay
As the pandemic drags on, the workforce is facing a serious burnout crisis — and a growing perception that bosses are tuned out when it comes to employees’ mental health needs.
5 ways to identify the strengths that will make you more effective at work
FastCompany
One of the pandemic’s legacies has been long hours for many workers. We’re logging more desk time and, in some cases, getting more done. But overwork has diminishing returns. A smarter way to get more done is to look for ways to apply our strengths
DigiDay
Ergonomic professionals have pointed to a rise in neck and upper body discomfort from using laptops and uncomfortable furniture, while too much screen time is fueling mental as well as physical health problems, according to various reports.
Meet the young creatives who went undercover to prove ad industry’s gender agenda
The Drum
An experiment by two ad industry juniors has revealed how newcomers to the industry are often treated differently on the basis of gender. The Drum catches up with the creative pair behind The Gender Agenda to hear about the findings of their study.
How to Ask Your Boss for a Mental Health Day
Real Simple
Sometimes, you need time to unplug; a day where you don’t have to think about deadlines, office dynamics, or the cheesy icebreaker you’ll bust out during your next Zoom meeting. While weekends and vacations are important and helpful reset opportunities, an additional mental health day can be exactly what you need to relax, reflect, and reset.
