3 Strategies to Promote Brain Health at Work — Starting at the Top
Written by Powell Brown
Recent research shows that mental health (which Brown & Brown refers to as brain health) is now viewed by many Americans as: Greater risk than cancer to public health. The disease is at the top of the list for young Americans, with 22% of 18- to 29-year-olds identifying it as their biggest threat, surpassing opioids and obesity.
We spend much of our lives working. For people who work a typical 40-hour week, that’s about 25% of their time. This is a significant investment of time and energy, and at Brown & Brown, we prioritize the health and well-being of our teams and supporting brain health is our top priority. This is also a way to support and prioritize your teammates.
In 2018, we lost three teammates to suicide. Any number greater than zero is too many. That experience has had a dramatic impact on my personal journey as a person, teammate, and business leader.
Last year, my brother and I Gear change towards brain health A foundation that helps raise awareness and funding to support brain health. We are committed to taking on the Haute Route Alps, widely considered to be the highest and toughest amateur cycling race in the world, and through the support of many amazing people and partners, we are committed to brain health research. We have raised a significant amount of money to support organizations that contribute to the. , education, prevention and treatment. But there is still much work to be done.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the health and well-being of your team is an essential priority throughout the year, it’s a good time for leaders to refocus and recommit to building a culture of empathy, support, and understanding. .
Here are three strategies to prioritize your brain health and wellness.
1. Start at the top.
Leaders need to be committed to their brain health. “Agreement” alone is not enough. Leaders set the tone for the entire organization. When executives actively talk about brain health and demonstrate their commitment, it sends a powerful message and is a real organizational value.
Let’s start with an open dialogue. Leaders should start conversations about the importance of brain health, destigmatize discussions around mental illness, and encourage employees to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. By creating a culture of openness and transparency, leaders can remove barriers to help-seeking and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
2. Make an investment.
Investing resources such as money, time, and effort into programs and initiatives that promote well-being can help embed well-being into the culture.
The concept of holistic well-being is based on being aware of our health. Four pillars of health: Physical, mental, economic, spiritual (brain). While many companies address physical health through wellness programs and financial health through benefits such as tuition reimbursement and stock purchase plans, they are increasingly investing in resources that support brain health. It was only recently.
Resources to build support for brain health include:
- Teammate Resource Group (TRG) dedicated to brain health: These teammate-led groups foster support and camaraderie around shared traits and interests. This type of support network is especially valuable for people who struggle with feeling accepted or valued. At Brown & Brown, we are a mental health TRG whose mission is to promote the health of our teammates and build a safe community where teammates can come together and learn how to better manage their mental and emotional health. was established.
- education: Education can help raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. For example, we host interactive webinars led by our in-house board-certified psychiatrists to discuss topics related to mental and physical health. When people have a better understanding of mental health, they are more likely to recognize signs and symptoms, seek help when needed, and provide support to others.
- Trained support team: Mental health allies provide peer support to people experiencing difficulties. They can provide a compassionate ear, offer practical advice, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Brown & Brown has mental health allies who are mental health first aid experts trained by the National Council for Behavioral Health who can support their teammates while raising awareness of brain health and wellness.
- Wellness challenges: Brain health is closely related to physical health. Regular exercise energizes brain cells and regulates neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This is important for mood regulation, stress management, and cognitive function. Wellness challenges can promote personal health and foster a supportive community. We established the Charity Miles Wellness Challenge. It encourages teammates to stay active and focus on their physical health by logging steps and bike distances.
3. Live by it.
Implementing a brain health initiative means making brain health a core part of your organizational culture. Simply implementing programs and initiatives is not enough.That means proactively Promotion and participation In it all year long.
Leaders must lead by example. period. Being an active participant in brain health initiatives, openly discussing your experiences and challenges, and building a culture that allows you to take breaks are all ways to “get ahead.”
As a leader, it’s not only okay to walk away, but you must also give your teammates permission to do so. We come back charged and ready to serve our teammates and customers. I tell my team that if you can’t go on vacation without doing a work check-in, which includes checking your email, your business or team may not be in good shape. You’re not giving yourself or your team space to recharge and find new creativity.
What does brain health cost?
When your teammates are happy and healthy, they are working at a higher level. While it may be difficult to calculate the traditional return on investment for these initiatives and initiatives, by investing in a comprehensive brain health initiative, organizations are not only doing what’s right for their teams, but also helping them compete. You can also set yourself up for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market. .
Aside from the main reason we do it at Brown & Brown – we care about each other – there’s a real business argument for investing in wellbeing initiatives. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, mostly through lost productivity.
Like any worthwhile investment, our commitment to brain health and human well-being doesn’t come cheap. Each additional employee benefit incurs a financial cost. It also takes time and effort. But when it comes to brain health, the benefits far outweigh the costs.