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Revolutionizing Workplace Well-being: A Conversation with Charity M. Kilgore, LPC, on Empowering Mental Health Support at Kindred Counseling and Therapeutic Services
In our interview series, “Empowering the Workplace: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Support,” we engage with entrepreneurs who have implemented key strategies to identify and address early signs of mental health issues among employees. Join us as we delve into their experiences and gain insights on proactive measures that have successfully promoted employee well-being and organizational harmony.**
Name: Charity M. Kilgore, LPC
Company: Kindred Counseling and Therapeutic Services
Check out more interviews with entrepreneurs here.
Table of Contents
What are some key strategies for organizations to identify and address early signs of mental health issues among employees? Share your insights and experiences on implementing proactive measures.
Charity M. Kilgore, LPC:
Some key strategies for organizations to identify and address early signs of mental health issues among employees include:
1. Creating a culture of openness and support around mental health
2. Providing mental health training for managers to identify early warning signs
3. Offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health resources
4. Encouraging self-care practices and work-life balance
5. Regularly checking in with employees and providing one-on-one support
Implementing proactive measures for mental health support that involve ongoing communication and education around mental health, as well as making resources easily accessible has shown improvement with employees tackling mental health issues through use of EAP services in my experiences.
How can companies create a supportive environment for employees to openly discuss mental health and seek help when needed? Share examples of successful communication and resources that have made a difference in your organization.
Charity M. Kilgore, LPC:
Companies can create a supportive environment for employees to openly discuss mental health and seek help when needed by implementing the following strategies:
1. Normalizing the conversation around mental health: This can be done by promoting positive messaging around mental health, holding workshops to raise awareness, and sharing resources.
2. Providing access to mental health resources: Companies can offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, counseling services, and online resources. They can also train managers to identify warning signs and offer support.
3. Offering flexible work arrangements: Providing flexible work arrangements and paid time off can help employees manage their mental health.
4. Encouraging self-care practices: Companies can promote self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise to help employees improve their mental health.
5. Creating a supportive culture: Companies can create a culture that values mental health and encourages employees to seek help when needed. This can be achieved by reducing the stigma around mental health and promoting a sense of community and support.
In my organization, we have implemented several successful communication and resources to support mental health. We have regular check-ins with employees to monitor their mental health, and we offer an employee assistance program that provides access to counseling and mental health resources. We also hold workshops and training sessions to promote mental health awareness and provide support to employees who may be struggling. Additionally, we have created a culture that values mental health, encourages open communication, and promotes self-care practices.
What role can training and education play in fostering mental health awareness in the workplace? Share your experience with impactful workshops, seminars, or training programs that have contributed to a better understanding and support of mental health among employees.
Charity M. Kilgore, LPC:
Training and education can play a crucial role in fostering mental health awareness in the workplace. By providing employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize the signs of mental health issues, and to support colleagues who may be struggling, organizations can create a culture that values mental wellbeing and promotes early intervention.
In my experience, impactful workshops, seminars, or training programs that have contributed to a better understanding and support of mental health among employees include:
1. Mental Health First Aid: This is a training program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues.
2. Stress Management and Resilience: This program provides participants with tools and strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and improve overall mental health.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Providing workshops on mindfulness and meditation can help employees manage stress and improve their mental health.
4. Mental Health Awareness: This program provides education and resources on mental health, including information on common mental health disorders, coping strategies, and resources.
5. Manager Training: Training managers to recognize the signs of mental health issues, and to provide support and accommodations to employees who may be struggling, can improve overall mental health in the workplace.
In our organization, we have provided mental health training for managers and employees, including Mental Health First Aid and Stress Management and Resilience workshops. We have also held mental health awareness events and provided resources such as counseling services and EAPs. These programs have contributed to a better understanding and support of mental health among employees, and have helped to create a culture that values mental wellbeing.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Charity M. Kilgore, LPC for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Charity M. Kilgore, LPC or her company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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