Issue - July/August 2024
Integrating Mental Wellness into Professional Success: A Personal Journey and Company Initiatives
Personal Success Stories: Integrating Mental Wellness into Professional Life
When building a startup into Denmark’s largest moving company in just seven years, the importance of mental wellness cannot be overstated. My journey in achieving this milestone has taught me that mental health is the cornerstone of both professional success and personal well-being. These two facets are intricately linked, and neither can thrive without the other.
When I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, I realized that to maintain my efficiency and sanity amidst the stress, I needed to prioritize mental wellness. This realization led me to enroll in a psychology program focused on creating high-performance coaching and performance-enhancing psychology. The comprehensive education I received covered areas such as business-oriented mental training, diversity understanding and management, sensory-based communication, psycho-geography, psychomotor skills, ethics and morals in coaching, sustainable personal development, and high-performance mindset training.
This training not only enhanced my personal coping mechanisms but also reshaped my approach to leadership. I learned to apply tools like DISC profiles, motivational analyses, and 360-degree feedback within leadership, communication, sales, and team composition. These methodologies allowed me to diagnose and leverage individual and team strengths and weaknesses effectively, fostering a workplace environment where mental health is prioritized, and productivity naturally follows.
Company Wellness Initiatives: Promoting Mental Health and Wellness
Our company firmly believes that employee well-being is paramount. This belief is reflected in our various wellness initiatives designed to support mental health among our team. Once a year, we host a Mental Health Day facilitated by external experts to focus on mental well-being. This event serves as a reminder of our commitment to mental health and offers practical strategies for maintaining it.
Moreover, we organize monthly activities like paddle games and Marathon Sauna events, focusing on inner peace and camaraderie. These activities encourage employees to engage in physical exercise and relaxation, promoting overall mental well-being.
One of our most cherished practices is the daily mental health break at 11:00 AM, where everyone gathers to participate in a short activity together, such as planking. This simple routine fosters a sense of community and provides a moment of respite from the daily grind.
Mental Wellness Advocacy: Building a Supportive Culture
Advocating for mental wellness within a company, especially in an industry often associated with high stress, requires a dedicated and empathetic approach. My role as the company leader has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, I handled all operational tasks myself. However, as the company grew, I built a dedicated team to support daily operations, allowing me to focus on fostering a supportive and mentally healthy work environment.
My primary responsibility now is to ensure that my team has all the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. This includes creating a culture where mental wellness is openly discussed and prioritized. By providing resources and training in mental health practices, we empower our employees to take charge of their well-being.
Creating a supportive culture also involves addressing resistance, particularly among different age groups who may have varying perceptions of mental health. It’s essential to communicate the benefits of mental wellness clearly and consistently, highlighting how it enhances job performance and personal happiness. Through continuous education and open dialogue, we strive to break down any barriers and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.
Conclusion
Incorporating mental wellness practices into a busy professional life has been a transformative journey for both myself and our company. By prioritizing mental health, we have cultivated a motivated and engaged workforce, which naturally leads to high-quality outcomes. Our various wellness initiatives and advocacy efforts underscore our commitment to creating a supportive and thriving workplace. As we continue to grow and evolve, the well-being of our employees remains our most valuable asset, ensuring that our success is sustainable and enriching for everyone involved.