In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Carson Finkle about improving employee mental health. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Carson discussed the importance of employee mental health in the workplace, with a focus on proactive and positive support for teams. They shared personal experiences and discussed strategies to help employees manage stress, including educational sessions, experiential breathwork, and business coaching. The conversation also touched on the significance of self-care, the need for commitment and consistency from top management, and the potential benefits of mindfulness practices.
Mental Health in the Workplace and Mindfulness Practices
Jonathan and Carson discussed the importance of mental health in the workplace, with a focus on proactive and positive support for teams. Carson, an entrepreneur and e-commerce advisor, shared his personal experience of burnout and subsequent efforts to improve mental health via his new venture, Create Meditation. Carson described his journey of exploring various mindfulness practices, which led him to develop a breath-work technique that he offered to friends and family during the Covid-19 pandemic. This eventually led to the creation of his company. The discussion underscored the significance of prioritizing mental health and the potential benefits of mindfulness practices.
Mental Health Support in the Workplace
Jonathan and Carson discussed the importance of mental health support in the workplace, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Carson shared his approach to helping employees manage stress and improve their mental wellbeing through educational sessions and experiential breathwork. They also discussed the challenges of implementing such initiatives within organizations, with Carson suggesting that the most effective strategies are those led by senior management and involving a team element. They concluded that while offering therapy is a step in the right direction, there is still resistance to this approach.
Business Coaching, Leadership, and Wellness Integration
Carson and Jonathan discussed the potential of business coaching for employees and the importance of integrating it into training and wellness programs. They agreed on the significance of leaders modeling healthy behaviors like self-care and work-life balance. Jonathan emphasized the need for commitment and consistency from top management for any wellness initiative to be successful. They also highlighted the value of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Lastly, they recommended the TV show Ted Lasso as a source of leadership lessons and positive interpersonal dynamics.
Ted Lasso, Leadership, and Mindfulness Discussion
Jonathan praised the show Ted Lasso for its portrayal of a leader dealing with personal challenges while maintaining a positive and supportive demeanor. They discussed the idea of such a leader in real-life organizations, noting the positive impact it could have on open communication and teamwork. Carson introduced the concept of the "champagne tower" relating it to mindfulness and wellness, which he planned to elaborate on in future discussions.
Balancing Self-Care and Self-Sacrifice
Carson encouraged the importance of prioritizing self-care and emphasized that when one's own "cup" is filled, it has a positive cascading effect on those around them. He stressed that this is not selfish, but rather a way to show up as the best version of oneself in all aspects of life. Jonathan, however, shared his struggle with this concept, having been taught that self-sacrifice was a top character trait growing up. He acknowledged the need for balance and the danger of constantly putting others' needs before one's own, as it can lead to not showing up well enough.
Self-Care and Guilt Reframing Discussion
Jonathan and Carson discussed the importance of self-care and making time for personal activities such as exercise, dog-walking, and meditation. Jonathan emphasized that prioritizing self-care helped him be a better professor, department chair, husband, and father. Carson agreed and proposed reframing the guilt associated with time spent on personal activities as a way to show up fully for one's responsibilities. Both acknowledged the struggle with this guilt, but agreed on the necessity of self-care for overall well-being and effective performance in various roles.
Improving Mental Well-Being and Productivity in the Workplace
Carson and Jonathan discussed ways to enhance mental well-being and productivity in the workplace. Carson proposed starting the day earlier for mindfulness and breathing exercises, while Jonathan stressed the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge. They both underscored the need to prioritize mental health and challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health issues. Carson encouraged the audience to connect with him for further insights and emphasized the importance of focusing on breath as a gateway to the present moment.
Listen to the webinar here:
