THE REAL TALK BLOG
tools & tips for HOW TO have effective conversations ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK
Managing the Mental Health Impact of Sociopolitical Uncertainty and Targeted Hate
Whether it’s interpersonal division, crappy economics, climate change, socioeconomic division, or harmful global social change. You name it--we seem to be dealing with it. In this article, Melissa shares practical strategies for employees and leaders to manage the mental health impacts associated with these challenging times.
Addressing Workplace Bullying Around the Israel-Hamas War
Is your business struggling with division and workplace bullying around the Israel-Hamas war? This article provides helpful tips and tools on how to address workplace bullying about the Israel-Hamas war and why it’s important to manage these conflicts.
Overcoming Tribalism: 13 Ways for Leaders to Create Inclusive Workplace Conversations In Times of Social Division
Are you trying to have conversations about at tough topic in your business? This article provides helpful tips on how and why to have tough conversations at work.
The Importance of Honest Workplace Conversations Post-Layoff
Struggling to have honest conversations in your business post-layoff? This article provides helpful tips on why and how to have honest conversations in your business after a layoff.
The Importance of Language When We Talk About Mental Health at Work
It's time to start changing attitudes about mental health in the workplace. Discover how to use language that supports, not shames, and encourages better communication for all about mental health in the workplace.
Workplace Depression Matters – Here’s Why.
Tackling depression in the workplace has become even more important recently due to longer hours and increased pressure from employers. Read this guide for tips on managing emotions and having healthy conversations at work.
Talking About Mental Health in a Remote Work Environment.
We live in an age where more people are working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. What does this mean for our mental health? As we continue this way of work, we must be mindful about our mental health. There are many ways to stay connected while working from home and this article will give you tips on how to do so in practical ways.
Intergenerational Conversations About Mental Health at Work.
There are 5 generations of employees in the workforce today. Yet the gap between them — especially when it comes to mental health — couldn’t be further apart. As companies struggle to address this issue, it’s important to understand why and how differences occur. With a fresh perspective, you can bridge the gap and start a conversation.
How the Media Influences Perceptions of Mental Health
Our perceptions of mental health and mental illness are influenced by a number of factors. The media is one of these factors. Whether it’s TV, movies, the news, or social media, it’s part of our daily lives. It often skews our perspectives and doesn’t show the whole picture of an issue. While things are getting better, it’s still up to us to raise awareness and shift the narrative.
How Do Our Life Experiences Shape How We View Mental Health?
There are many ways our life experiences affect our mental health. As an HR or DEI leader, it’s important to acknowledge this because we bring our views and life experiences to work with us. It’s important to consider each person’s unique view so you can open the conversation and create a safe space for everyone.
5 Tips for Leaders: How to Support Struggling Employees Who Don’t Want to Talk.
Since the start of the pandemic, mental health has been at the forefront of workplace conversations. We’re much more aware of its effects and leaders are being more vigilant about checking in with their employees. But what if you decide to check in with someone and it turns out — your employee doesn’t want to talk about their mental health with you. What do you do then? Check out these helpful tips so you can navigate this situation.
4 Useful Tips: How Leaders Can Discuss Mental Health At Work.
There are many reasons company leaders aren’t ready or willing to talk about mental health, publicly or in the workplace. It’s common to avoid such sensitive and complex subjects, but this is a mistake. Mental health and mental illness are workplace topics that are here to stay — and leaders need to adapt and embrace this change. How can they do this? Here are 4 useful tips for leaders to start these mental health conversations.
When Mental Health Conversations Go Badly
Many people hesitate or avoid talking about their mental health at work. Why? Because of the discomfort, fear, or frustration they might feel if the conversation doesn’t go well. But defaulting to conversation avoidance isn’t the solution. Instead, it’s important to understand why these conversations go badly and have some strategies in mind you can fall back on when this happens.
How Focusing on our Differences Prevents Supportive Mental Health Conversations.
In today’s world, people are divided on many issues. These differences of opinion cause a host of physical, emotional, and mental reactions, which spills over into the workplace. By focusing on how we’re different from one another, we’re missing the opportunity to connect on an important issue — mental health. But there are ways to have constructive conversations and bridge these divisions.
How Women In Leadership Can Champion Mental Health at Work
As we talk more about mental health at work, it’s important to understand the source of some of the challenges to having these conversations. Gender is one of the most important factors and it has a long history of influence in our society. It’s even led to gender-based emotion shaming, especially toward women. Thankfully, there are some things we can do to combat this behavior and have more constructive conversations.
Understanding Wellbeing Shaming At Work
In the last couple of years during COVID, many people have taken the time to prioritize their mental health. While this has many positive effects, it’s also led to a negative reaction from some — shaming others for taking care of their mental health and wellbeing. This behavior is harmful and must be stopped. Here are a few conversation tips if you encounter wellbeing shaming at the office.
How to Cope With Return-To-Office Delays
It’s the start of 2022, a time when most people hoped to get back into the office. But companies are delaying their plans to return because of the rise of the COVID Omicron variant. Despite the uncertainty of it all, here are tools to help you feel more secure and in control of your emotions.
Covid-19 Lessons on Mental Health
While it seems daunting, you can change the tone around mental health and COVID in your company. You can avoid using phrases like “in a post-COVID world” that cause uncertainty. And start supporting your employees by talking about the reality of our situation.
Covid Started 2 Years Ago: Yes, It's Ok to Still Not Feel Ok at Work.
We’re approaching the 2-year mark since the start of COVID and our new reality. It’s been a tough adjustment for everyone and it’s ok to admit: you still might not feel ok at work. The best support you can offer your colleagues? Have constructive conversations with them about mental health.