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Business & Mental Health Lifestyle Productivity

Work in Progress: Well-being Initiatives in the Workplace

The real challenge in today’s workplace isn’t just about staying ahead—whether it’s outpacing competitors, launching new products, or expanding into new markets. It’s about creating a work environment where both employees and organizations can truly thrive. Employee well-being is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. In 2022, only 17% of workers reported being in a high state of well-being, while 42% struggled to find purpose in their work, 25% felt lonely, and 32% didn’t feel like they belonged.1

 

To address this concern, many organizations are investing in wellness programs that focus on mental health support, team-building activities, flexible work arrangements, and professional development. These programs are taking shape in various ways to foster a culture of belonging and psychological safety. Now more than ever, we need to check in on our employees and colleagues, ensuring that well-being remains a priority in the workplace.

How does Corporate Wellness Programs (CWPs) help the Filipino Employees Well-being?2

  • Increased Motivation. 77% of employees reported feeling more motivated at work due to the better environment fostered by wellness programs.
  • Increased Physical and Spiritual Wellness. CWPs that include physical and spiritual programs enhance employees’ physical and spiritual well-being. Employees actively participate in these programs, which in turn motivates them to focus on their physical and spiritual health.
  • Increased Socio-Emotional Wellness. Employees with CWPs experience higher socio-emotional wellness, improving their interpersonal relationships, social roles, self-awareness, and emotional management compared to those without CWPs. While some employees achieved higher socio-emotional wellness scores through personal initiatives, the results suggest that these improvements were not solely reliant on the wellness programs of their organizations. This indicates that, while personal efforts matter, CWPs can complement and amplify these individual efforts.
  • Increased Intellectual and Occupational Wellness. Organizations with CWPs motivate employees to engage in career advancement planning, develop new competencies, and build capacity. Additionally, these programs foster greater personal satisfaction and life enrichment for employees.

Overall, Corporate Wellness Programs have significantly boosted employees’ well-being in the Philippines. The good news is that 88% of employees are eager to participate in these programs, especially if they become available

To learn more about well-being initiatives in the workplace, join us for an insightful discussion on workplace well-being! The Psychological Association of the Philippines Positive Psychology Special Interest Group (PAP-SIG), in partnership with Mind You, invites you to register for our February webinar. Don’t miss this opportunity—all for just Php 100!

Work in Progress: Wellbeing Initiatives in the Workplace

February 14, 2025 | 4:30 PM PHT

https://tinyurl.com/PPWBI

We love to see you there!

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

Sources:
1Mendoza-Talosig, A., Gaddi, R., Baje, D.N., Huyong-Manankil, K., Rosal, Z., & Yambao, P. (2022). Employee Well-being Insights Report. https://ph1.greatplacetoworkasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Employee-Well-Being-Insights-Report-Philippines.pdf
2Argañosa, N.M.SJ., & Binghay, V.C. (2024, March 22). The Effects of a Corporate Wellness Program on the Physical, Occupational, Socio-emotional, and Spiritual Wellness of Filipino Workers. Acta Medica Philippina, 58(5), 28-42. https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.5797/

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Business & Mental Health Events Lifestyle

Grow As We Go: Cultivating Healthy Relationships

It’s the season of love! You may now be thinking about where and with whom to celebrate Valentine’s Day. No matter the type of relationships you have, this season is meant to fill you with joy, warmth, and a sense of support. However, this may not always be the case. It is important to recognize when a relationship that feels okay might actually be unhealthy.

How to Know You’re in an Unhealthy Relationship

Unhealthy relationships are not always full-blown toxic or abusive; some simply involve subtle patterns that develop over time. Here are some common characteristics to look out for:1
  • Too much intensity. If someone you know wants to be with you all the time or demands constant updates on what you’re doing and where you are, this may not be healthy, especially if they get angry when you cannot commit your time or update them consistently. Over time, this may affect your sense of independence.
  • Constant putdowns. Steer clear of relationships where there’s a lack of respect, and you are repeatedly put down through subtle or explicit insulting words, degradation, humiliation, or anything that makes you feel less than you are.
  • Gaslighting. This is one of the most infamous red flags in which someone tries to manipulate you by making you feel guilty to get their desired outcome.
If you recognize any of these patterns in your relationships, it’s important to address them before they cause further harm. Don’t ignore the red flags—your well-being matters most.

To know more about unhealthy relationships and how to manage them, join this month’s webinar brought to you by Mind You:

Grow As We Go: Cultivating Healthy Relationships

February 14, 2025 | 4:30 PM PHT

https://mindyou.com.ph/publicwebinar

Let’s celebrate love in all its forms, but always ensure that it uplifts and supports you.

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

Source:
1Hood, K., Sidawi, S., & Wright, A. (2017). Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship Curriculum. The One Love Foundation.

      https://www.joinonelove.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/One-Love-Discussion-Guide_The-Couplets.pdf

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Business & Mental Health Lifestyle Productivity

Ready, Set, GOAL! How to Set (and Achieve) Realistic Goals

Think of starting the new year like you’re setting out on a big road trip. You’ve packed your bags, a killer playlist—but no destination. The excitement is there, but after a while, you realize you’re driving around in circles, unsure of where you’re going. Goals are what give us direction and purpose. Without them, it’s easy to feel like we’re drifting or stuck. 

The Power of Goals

So, how powerful can goals be? Here are some benefits of goal-setting:1
  • It gives us more motivation. Setting goals actually gives you more satisfaction and interest, which increasingly drives you to strive for more.
  • Improved performance. Goals provide clear direction, helping you focus your energy where it matters most. With that clarity, you’re able to prioritize tasks more effectively.
  • Better Wellbeing. Overall, goal-directed behavior, such as “Eating healthier” or “Staying fit,” supports improvement of your psychological, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
  • Enhanced trust and self-efficacy.2 Goal-setting can build one’s confidence in their abilities and judgment. This process fosters a sense of self-reliance, as each accomplished goal reinforces the belief in one’s capacity to succeed.
Setting goals is a powerful way to take control of your future. Goals provide direction, fuel motivation, and offer a sense of accomplishment as you work toward them.

To learn more about goals and how to kickstart 2025, join this month’s webinar brought to you by Mind You: 

Ready, Set, GOAL! How to Set (and Achieve) Realistic Goals

January 24, 2025 | 4:30 PM PHT
https://mindyou.com.ph/publicwebinar

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

References:

1Riopel, L. (2019, June 14). The importance, benefits, and value of goal setting. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/
2Moore, C. (2019, April 15). What is Self-Reliance and How to Develop It? Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/self-reliance/

Categories
Business & Mental Health Lifestyle

Bakit Stressed ang Beshy Ko? Managing Stress Effectively

Have you ever felt a surge of energy while picking out a last-minute gift for a friend’s birthday, eagerly anticipating their party? Or perhaps felt overwhelmed while working on a project with a looming deadline?

Both of these are forms of stress. But how can one make us feel energized while the other leaves us feeling overwhelmed?

What exactly is stress?

Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It is our body’s natural response, telling us to address certain challenges and threats in our lives.1 Sometimes, stress can cause symptoms like a stomach ache or mild palpitations, but it can also escalate to a point where it becomes dangerous. It may interfere with your ability to function, leaving you feeling fatigued, irritable, and struggling to concentrate.2

How can stress be positive?

There are two distinct types of stress, according to a psychologist named Hans Selye: eustress and distress.

Eustress is the positive response our body has to stress caused by an enjoyable or meaningful task, as we experience a sense of fulfillment or achievement once it’s completed. For example, you are assigned to facilitate your organization’s team-building event in just two weeks, and surprisingly, you feel energized and are productively accomplishing and ticking off the boxes on your to-do checklist.

Now, when it’s the other way round, such that you feel overwhelmed because of a tight deadline, you might be experiencing distress, which is a negative stress response that results in being overwhelmed by the demands of work.3

Distress triggers physiological and psychological changes in your body that might pose serious health risks if you are not attending to it. Stress management strategies can minimize (or eliminate) the risks stress brings you.

To learn about these strategies, Join this month’s webinar brought to you by Mind You:

Bakit Stressed ang Beshy Ko: Managing Stress Effectively

November 29, 2024 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
https://tinyurl.com/MindYouWebinar/

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

References:

  1. World Health Organization. (2023, February 21). Stress. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress/
  2. American Psychological Association. (2013, January 1). How stress affects your health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health/
  3. Franks, S. (2023). Distress VS Eustress. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/lessons/activities/critical-thinking-exercise-distress-eustress.pdf/
Categories
Business & Mental Health

The Power of Psychological Safety: How to Care for People at Work

With 64.8% of the world population being at working age,1 it is important to recognize the connection between mental health and work, and how we can provide a healthy and safe working environment for all. In this year’s Mental Health Month campaign, “Mental Health at Work,” highlights the benefits of a psychologically safe workplace even more.

Why is this important in the workplace?

Addressing this concern does not only enhance employee well-being but also helps the company to foster a positive working environment. Here are three reasons why placing importance on their employees’ mental health help:

  • Psychological Safety
    • Psychological safety plays a vital role in workplace ergonomics, and companies can benefit greatly from mental health programs. Research shows that companies focusing more on productivity than employee well-being lose over $6 billion annually, as approximately 43% of employees tend to take sick leave or be absent. In contrast, organizations that successfully foster psychological safety see an average annual income increase of $4.3 million and a reduction in turnover of over 27%. A psychologically safe workplace can enhance productivity by 50% without exerting pressure from management.2
  • Better Workplace Dynamics
    • A healthy workplace leads to good morale and high motivation. In any organization, the workforce is its biggest asset. A mentally healthy workplace will develop high morale among employees, which will produce an organizational climate that is a happy and friendly place to work, with high productivity and efficiency levels.3 4 Generally, this increases productivity and quality of work, lowers absenteeism, and promotes work-life balance.
  • Effective Working Relationships
    • In turn, effective working relationships from a positive and psychologically safe working environment make employees more engaged, which exhibits better communication and encourages more comfort and support for their workmates.5

How to Care for Your People’s Mental Health?

  • Create Mental Health Policies
    • Reevaluate the existing mental health policy within your organization. If none, develop clear workplace guidelines that involve psychological health and safety. Furthermore, since the R.A. 11036 has been approved, the company must comply with the DOLE Guidelines. As the state commits to promoting the well-being of people by ensuring that mental health is valued, organizations should work hand-in-hand with the state, achieving its primary goals under the said Act.5
  • Create a Positive Working Environment
    • A positive working environment fosters open communication, strong work ethics, positive thinking when dealing with challenges, and empathy among coworkers.6 Ensure that the employees are encouraged to collaborate and openly communicate around the workspace. Furthermore, the management could empower employees toward their career growth and personal goals through management check-in meetings and various learning sessions.
  • Accessible Mental Health Services
    • Recognizing the importance of psychological safety in the workplace includes responding to mental health conditions. Investing in accessible mental health services for employees such as preventive therapy sessions, psychometric reports, employee mental health checks, and high-risk prevention programs, will ensure the company’s support towards their people, which enables them to thrive in work.7

Creating a healthy psychological environment not only benefits the employees but the organization as well. Interested to know more?

Join us this October 27, 2024, at the QCX Event Center in Quezon City for Mind You’s National Mental Health Summit, themed “Workplace Culture.”

We hope to see you there!

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

References:

  1. Working age population. (2024). OECD. https://www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/working-age-population.html?oecdcontrol-f75fe24c3f-var3=2022&oecdcontrol-f75fe24c3f-var4=2023/
  2. Ecsell Institute. (2022, January 27). New Data Highlights Value of Psychological Safety in the Workplace. Prnewswire.com. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-highlights-value-of-psychological-safety-in-the-workplace-301469119.html
  3. Srivastava K. (2009). Mental health and industry: Dynamics and perspectives. Ind Psychiatry J., 18(1), 1-2. doi: 10.4103/0972-6748.57850.
  4. Zhenjing G., Chupradit S., Ku K.Y., Nassani, A.A., & Haffar M. (2022, May 13). Impact of Employees’ Workplace Environment on Employees’ Performance: A Multi-Mediation Model. Front Public Health, 10. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.890400.
  5. Allas, T., & Schaninger, B. (2020, September 22). The boss factor: Making the world a better place through workplace relationships. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-boss-factor-making-the-world-a-better-place-through-workplace-relationships/
  6. The LawPhil Project. (2018, June 20). Republic Act No. 11036. Lawphil.net. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2018/ra_11036_2018.html/
  7. He, G. (2022, October 9). How To Create A Positive Work Environment: 13 Ideas. Teambuilding.com. https://teambuilding.com/blog/positive-work-environment/
  8. World Health Organization. (2022, September 28). Mental health at work: policy brief. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944/
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Business & Mental Health Events

The Cost of Burnout: Exploring a Growing Concern in the Workplace 

A study conducted in 2024 revealed that the Philippines recorded the highest burnout rate among working adults in Southeast Asia, reaching 70.71%.1 Burnout is a prevalent syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been properly managed. Fortunately, organizational leaders can take action, creating an environment where employees can thrive, leading to business success and operational efficiency.

The Costs of Burnout

  • Financial Cost
    • Burnout affects the financial aspect of a company in different ways. First, burnout costs at least $125 billion to $190 billion (₱7.2 trillion to ₱10.9 trillion) for health care annually, where stress is usually the number one cause.2 Second, burnout results in lower employee engagement, which costs 34% of the burned-out employee’s annual salary.3 Lastly, these employees usually resort to absenteeism and presenteeism— either missing work due to various reasons (e.g., calling in sick, family responsibilities, emotional struggles) or being physically present at work “just to be there” but not being able to function properly.4
  • Operational Costs of Burnout
    • Employees who suffer from burnout usually influence the rest of the organization, which translates into miscommunication and conflicts that also affect team productivity and collaboration. In fact, burnout can create a “contagion effect,” where the struggles of one or more employees can negatively impact the overall work environment for everyone.4 In turn, managers carry the responsibility of handling disengaged employees, who are more likely to discuss their performance goals with them.5

How to Identify Burnout in Your Workplace

Here are some visible signs of burnout in the workplace.6

  1. Employee Silence. Usually, engaged employees ask questions and seek constant feedback. If an employee starts to get silent or shows less energy for work than usual, it can be a sign of burnout.
  2. Change in performance. If an employee starts missing deadlines with little to no explanation, participating less in team projects and meetings, or having difficulty maintaining a normal workload compared to their baseline, that may be a result of burnout.
  3. Isolation. If an employee who usually greets their colleagues suddenly stops saying “Hi!” or stops joining others during lunchtime, there is a chance that they are experiencing burnout.

Remember, these signs are usually happening gradually to an employee or colleague. Now, the question is, “Should we mitigate or eliminate burnout in the workplace?” Good news! Mind You is here to help! This year’s Mental Health Summit, presented by Mind You, aims to explore strategies for mitigating workplace burnout, examining whether it can truly be eliminated or must be continuously managed, and more!

Join us this October 27, 2024, at the QCX Event Center in Quezon City for Mind You’s National Mental Health Summit, themed “Workplace Culture.”

We hope to see you there!

If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Instagram: @mindyoumhs
Facebook: Mind You Mental Health Systems
Twitter/X: @MindYouMHS
LinkedIn: Mind You Philippines

References:

  1. Aziz, A.F.A., & Ong, T. (2024). Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among working adults in Southeast Asia: results from a public health assessment. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1326227.
  2. Blanding, M. (2015, January 26). National Health Costs Could Decrease if Managers Reduce Work Stress. HBS Working Knowledge. https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/national-health-costs-could-decrease-if-managers-reduce-work-stress/
  3. Borysenko, K. (2019). How Much Are Your Disengaged Employees Costing You? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlynborysenko/2019/05/02/how-much-are-your-disengaged-employees-costing-you/
  4. Edú-Valsania, S., Laguía, A., & Moriano, J,A. (2022, February 4). Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 9(3). doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031780.
  5. Now, H. W. (2019, August 27). The Cost of Burnout: Why We Need Healthy Work. Medium. https://healthyworknow.medium.com/the-cost-of-burnout-why-we-need-healthy-work-8a552a151603/
  6. How to Identify and Address Employee Burnout. (2021, June 15). SYR-UMT. https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/blog/how-to-identify-and-address-employee-burnout/
Categories
Business & Mental Health

Turning Conflict Into Collaboration in the Workplace

Conflict is a challenging but inevitable part of our personal and professional lives. In the workplace, it is very common to work with people from different cultures, lifestyles, personalities, and goals. Because of this, a little bit of disagreement can come along from time-to-time. As a matter of fact, 85% of employees experience some kind of conflict in their professional life.1

What are the causes of conflicts in the workplace?

  • Personality Mix. It is common for a team to have members with different personalities to work towards a shared goal. When these personalities clash, there is a tendency for conflict to take place.2
  • Poor Communication. Colleagues inevitably have misunderstandings due to poor communication at work. A conflict may arise when there’s a concern in delivering or interpreting the message.3
  • Conflict of Values. This conflict usually comes when two individuals differ in their ideologies on various concerns. For example, an employee may not be willing to put in extra hours to accomplish a certain project, whereas another employee is willing to do so because they don’t place the same value in the project.4

Still confused or want to know more? Join this month’s webinar to learn about workplace conflicts (and how to prevent and manage them!), brought to you by Mind You:

Turning Conflict Into Collaboration in the Workplace

October 18, 2024 | 6:00 PM PST
https://bit.ly/OctoberFreeWebinar

Let’s learn how to navigate difficult conversations together.

If you or someone you know needs urgent support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed professionals and access a wealth of mental health resources.

Follow us @mindyoumhs on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn

Sources:

  1. Conflict Resolution in the Workplace Guide & Workplace Conflict Statistics (2023). Pollack Peacebuilding Systems. https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/workplace-conflict-statistics/
  2. Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. (2018, June 4). Causes of conflict in the workplace. Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/causes-conflict-workplace/
  3. Place, T. (2019, October 11). 6 Common Causes of Workplace Conflict and How to Avoid Them. Www.vital-Learning.com. https://www.vital-learning.com/blog/causes-of-workplace-conflict/
  4. Riaz, M.K., & Junaid, F.A. (2011). Types, sources, costs and consequences of workplace conflict. Asian Journal of Management Research, 2(11), 600-611. http://ssrn.com/abstract=2004302/