According to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 4 in 10 adults in the US reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic.
This is up from 1 in 10 before the pandemic began.
By nature, humans are social creatures. Without community, connection, and support, we risk feeling isolated.
According to a study published by nature, social isolation during the pandemic contributed to this mental health decline, reinforcing our need for human connection.
The transition to remote or hybrid working arrangements has resulted in a disconnect that can take a toll on organizational culture, morale and mental health.
As we continue to navigate a return to in-person work, it’s important that managers consider how they can help re-establish a genuine sense of connection on their team.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, mentoring is an effective way to support mental health at work.
Here’s how:
1. A mentorship program can help foster a sense of belonging. It helps encourage employee interaction, communication, and engagement which helps strengthen workplace relationships and feelings of inclusion.
2. It increases engagement. When employees feel connected, they’re more likely to feel happy and engaged, resulting in increased productivity.
3. Builds trusting relationships. When mentees have someone to speak frankly with, they’re more likely to feel psychologically safe at work.
4. Creates a sense of purpose. A mentoring program with the goal of helping mentees achieve their future objectives provides employees with a step-by-step roadmap for reaching their goals. When employees see a clear path to their goals, they’re less likely to experience anxiety over an uncertain future.
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Adeola Mead is a Naturopathic Physician with 15 years of clinical experience. Her team provides integrative wellness programs to help improve digestion, energy and mood, naturally and simultaneously. They help organizations implement wellness initiatives that improve mental and physical health while creating a culture of camaraderie in wellness.
Contact us for a complimentary consult or corporate wellness discovery call.
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