In recent years, the conversation around mental health has gained significant momentum. The workplace has a huge impact on our mental health, given we will spend around 90,000 hours of our lives working. That’s why WorkTango believes that it’s not enough to acknowledge mental health for just one month; rather, mental health and employee wellness should be a year-long discussion and commitment.
However, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing how our company specifically recognized and prioritized mental health in May.
Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, WorkTango organized activities designed to raise awareness amongst team members, promote self-care, and encourage open dialogue surrounding mental health. In this blog, you will learn some of the tips and tricks that our team members shared on how to deal with stress at work to support your mental health.
We’ll also explore why recognizing and prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential beyond just May. From increased productivity and engagement to improved morale and reduced turnover, the positive impact of a supportive work environment cannot be underestimated.
Mental Health Awareness Month 2023
For Mental Health Awareness Month 2023, WorkTango’s Women’s Network and PRIDE Employee Resource Groups held a panel discussion surrounding mental health in the workplace, how to better manage stress levels, and ways to combat the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Although there were no doctors or certified professionals on the panel, the objective with this discussion was to raise broad awareness, share personal suggestions, reinforce available resources, and reiterate the company’s dedication to our employees’ mental health.
A variety of Tangoneers joined the discussion and shared their own thoughts with the group. Here are some of the tips and tricks we heard from employees:
- Be present
When stress is high, sometimes it’s helpful to take a breath and focus on the things that are going on in that precise moment. What does the sky look like right now? What do you feel under your feet? What is a positive thing in your life that you can acknowledge right now? - Celebrate small wins
Even minor wins are wins! At WorkTango, we believe small wins are still victories. By recognizing each other for achievements and celebrating the great work that we do, we can support positive thinking all around. - Give yourself grace
We are all human, and we are all doing our best. While it is important to take accountability and own our work and results, sometimes giving ourselves grace when we make a small mistake or when we feel overwhelmed can help us move on and reduce endlessly dwelling on that mistake. - Breathe
While this one may seem obvious, our Tangoneers shared that this is still something that they feel they need to focus on more to reduce stress levels. For example, taking a deep, loud breath can sometimes help in stressful situations. Our panel reminded us all that making sure to breathe deeply, which gives your brain oxygen, is something that every employee should do in times of stress. - Move your body in a way that you enjoy
Sometimes, when applicable, moving your body even for 5 minutes in a way that feels good to you can help boost your mood and reduce stress. Taking a short walk with your dog, swimming in the pool, or doing some yoga are some examples of ways you may be able to reduce anxiety through movement.
How WorkTango Prioritizes Mental Health in the Workplace Every Day
Beyond the month of May, WorkTango makes a point of creating an everyday culture that fosters connection, collaboration and wellness. Here are just a few examples of how we do that.
Wellbeing Incentives & Unlimited Time Off
WorkTango offers Incentives within our Employee Experience Platform that encourage mental health and wellness activities. Incentives for going for a short walk, reading a book, or doing a quick catch-up with other team members are all available to Tangoneers, and employees frequently redeem these on a daily, weekly and monthly basis within the platform. WorkTango also offers unlimited vacation time, flexible and remote work, and two company-wide weeks off each year to support a healthy work-life balance for employees.
Appreciation for One Another
Being appreciated at work directly contributes to employee happiness. WorkTango is passionate about employee recognition, whether we are helping companies show recognition and reward their teams through our Employee Experience Platform, or appreciating our own employees. Every day, our Tangoneers send peer-to-peer, top-to-bottom, and bottom-up recognitions to each other that help celebrate wins big and small.
Culture Initiatives
WorkTango hosts culture initiatives monthly. All of these activities are curated by our Culture Committee based on our employees’ interests. For example, in May, WorkTango hosted a “Learn to Knit” hour hosted by our creative Tangoneer Lisa. The Knitting Hour gave team members the opportunity to learn how to knit from a pro and step away from their work for 50 minutes to have some fun.
WorkTango also hosts monthly contests, happy hours, and many other cultural activities to help our employees build connections and a sense of community. Cultivating a fun and engaging work environment is a crucial component to not only supporting employee happiness, but also driving success for the organization.
WorkTango culture activity for Skin Cancer Awareness Month – Everyone wore a wide-brimmed hat to protect their skin from the sun!
Company Resources
WorkTango takes employee surveys and feedback seriously, including asking employees about what resources and benefits may be needed to further increase wellness and job satisfaction. Because of employee feedback, WorkTango now offers additional resources to support employee mental health in the workplace. For example, Ginger and Headspace are resources that we now offer for free to employees and encourage them to use to reduce stress, anxiety, and boost their mental health. Free virtual therapy sessions and benefits as a part of the company medical plan are also available to all employees.
Commitment to DEI&B
In additional to mental health and employee wellness, WorkTango is also deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Working in an inclusive environment is extremely important, and we want to ensure we are always building a work environment where everyone feels like they belong. WorkTango recognizes a range of holidays throughout the year. For example, in May of 2023, we hosted Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by providing education, resources, contests, and fun incentives related to AAPI individuals and traditions.
At WorkTango, we firmly believe that the wellbeing of our employees is paramount. We are committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health and makes talking about mental health challenges free from stigma. Through comprehensive programs, resources, and initiatives, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. Our commitment to employee mental health extends beyond mere words; it is ingrained in our policies, practices, and leadership approach every day. Because when our employees are mentally healthy and thriving, they can bring their best selves to work, drive innovation, and ultimately contribute to making WorkTango an extraordinary place to work and grow.
Emily Hendricks
Emily Hendricks is the Corporate Communications Manager with WorkTango, where she supports the company's public relations and communications initiatives.
