Emotional wellness plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and greatly impacts our careers. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of emotional wellness in the workplace has become increasingly evident. In this article, we will explore the significance of emotional wellness in our professional lives and discuss various factors that contribute to a healthy work environment.
Reconnecting and Strengthening Community Ties
The Yampa Valley Wellness Conference’s theme for 2023 is reconnection, focusing on the impact of the pandemic on behavioral health and addressing issues of separation and loneliness. By strengthening and building deeper community connections, the conference aims to promote a better understanding of behavioral and mental health. Featured speakers include professionals from various fields, such as professors, psychologists, and pastors, all emphasizing the importance of connection and interdependence for overall health and well-being.
Addressing Imposter Syndrome and Defining Personal Success
One of the challenges many individuals face in their careers is Imposter Syndrome, which can negatively impact their holistic wellness. By defining personal success and establishing professional goals, individuals can identify support opportunities and better navigate their career paths. Understanding one’s likes, dislikes, and skills can help in discovering a personal definition of success, ultimately contributing to emotional wellness in the workplace.
The Prevalence of Burnout and Its Impact on Emotional Wellness
Burnout remains a widespread issue in the workplace, with employee burnout in the US comparable to levels reported at the height of the pandemic. Over half of the American workers face at least moderate levels of burnout, with certain demographics, such as Gen Z, women, Hispanics, and those working multiple jobs, being the hardest hit. High levels of burnout can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, ultimately affecting productivity and job performance. Employers must recognize and address burnout to support their employees’ emotional wellness.
Employer Support for Total Well-Being
Employers can take several steps to support their employees’ emotional wellness, including hosting town halls and focus groups centered on mental health. By addressing the stigma attached to mental health issues, employers can create a more supportive work environment. Additionally, providing resources for financial planning and retirement can help alleviate financial anxiety, which often exacerbates mental health concerns. Consistent attention and action toward mental health are essential for promoting emotional wellness in the workplace.
Emotional Wellness and the Changing Landscape of Work
Emotional and social well-being are integral parts of whole-person health, and the changing landscape of work has brought new challenges to maintaining emotional wellness. Great Resignation and quiet quitting are new terms for job-related apathy, often resulting from a lack of value, purpose, and meaning in one’s job. Situational depression can occur when adjusting to stressors or changes in life, and working with a therapist can be a valuable way to support oneself and improve emotional wellness.
Turning Anxiety into a Leadership Superpower
Anxiety, the world’s most common mental health ailment, can either sabotage our ambitions or inspire us to be the best selves in our careers. Morra Aarons-Mele’s book, “The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears Into Your Leadership Superpower,” serves as a blueprint for understanding anxiety at work and tackling it in a practical, self-compassionate way. The book is for anyone who feels that anxiety is impacting their daily life, especially in their work context. By recognizing the importance of emotional wellness in our careers, we can begin to change the entire culture of work to make room for mental health.