Mental health awareness needs to be 24/7

With another Mental Health Awareness Month behind us, the topic is still fresh in our hearts and minds. But this annual educational rite is way too important to be confined to 31 days in May. It’s no secret that Americans have struggled with their mental health since pandemic lockdowns began more than two years ago. The more people are able to freely and openly speak about their mental health, the more inclined they will be to articulate what they’re going through, and the more likely we’ll be able to do something about it.

There are numerous factors that shape wellbeing, including the food and beverages we consume every day, how much we sleep, our relationships, exposure to both mainstream and social media, current events and, of course, our work environment. Business leaders need to create an environment where year-round conversations and educational workshops around mental health are encouraged – even applauded – so that it’s built into the DNA of the organization’s culture. Mental health is a key component of a well-functioning workplace, but what we first need to do is remove the stigma and raise awareness about the benefits of seeking treatment, especially in the hospitality industry, which is the focus of my work.

With mounting stress in the workplace, the objective is to have teams keep their composure, remain calm, recognize their emotions and work in an environment where everyone is able to openly discuss whatever is bothering them. There are multiple benefits to do so, especially for the bottom line. On top of employees having a greater sense of wellbeing, organizations will see their teams become happier, more resilient teams and productive.