The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Mental Health and the Workplace by Michelle Gonzalez.
In the wake of the global pandemic, the conversation around mental health in America has never been more urgent. The multifaceted impacts of COVID-19—ranging from the shift to distance learning and remote work to the stark increase in isolation, loneliness, and violence—have brought the nation to a critical juncture. With rising concerns over poverty, an escalating demand for healthcare services, and the pervasive challenges of employee burnout, stress, and low productivity, the cost of healthcare is surging. It’s within this context that a groundbreaking paper will be presented at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference, offering a timely exploration of our current “mental health crisis” and the vital role that organizations play as workplaces in addressing it.
This paper goes beyond merely cataloging the issues and needs associated with America’s mental health dilemma. It ventures into uncharted territory, providing managers and organizational leaders with a comprehensive understanding of what mental health entails and elucidating their pivotal role in fostering an environment that supports employee well-being. The emphasis on “pollinating potential” within workplaces is a novel approach that seeks to empower managers to engage not just with employees, but with their families and the broader organization to create a supportive and understanding work culture.
The workshop detailed in the paper is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging participants to partner with one another and engage in meaningful discussions about what mental health means to them personally, their teams, their organizations, and the larger community they serve. This approach is not only about broadening the understanding of mental health but also about equipping participants with the mindset and tools necessary to initiate confident and constructive conversations about mental health in their workplaces.
One of the most compelling aspects of this paper is its practical focus on assessing strategies around benefits, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy, and a comprehensive definition of mental health. Furthermore, the workshop culminates in participants designing their own self-care plans, a crucial step in personalizing the journey toward better mental health awareness and advocacy.
As this paper is unveiled at the SAM International Business Conference, it promises to spark a much-needed dialogue among business leaders, managers, and organizational stakeholders. The insights provided aim to transform the way organizations perceive and address mental health, moving from a state of crisis to one of understanding, support, and proactive engagement. The presentation is not just a call to action; it’s a roadmap for organizations ready to take serious steps toward addressing the mental health crisis, one conversation at a time.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.