S3 Ep. 5 - Embracing Connections and Managing Relationships

Are your connections and relationships healthy or toxic? Relationships impact all dimensions of our well-being, including physical and mental health and our ability to flourish at work and in every other facet of life. In today’s episode called: Embracing Connections and Managing Relationships, we’re going to discuss the impact connections have on your work life and provide some strategies to manage your work relationships that lead to positive mental health and well-being. Now, let’s start today’s conversation!

Transcript

Welcome to the True Talk Café Podcast S3 Ep. 5 - Embracing Connections and Managing Relationships

Show agenda:

Are your connections and relationships healthy or toxic?

When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Since May is Mental Health month, the pod crew will delve deeper into this important topic.

• Questions
  • How do you recognize the signs of an unhealthy work relationship or toxic work behavior? Can you share a personal experience where you had to deal with a toxic work relationship? What was the impact on your mental and emotional health? 
  • Can you share a story about a meaningful connection you've made in your professional or personal life? How did it impact you? 
  • How do you set and maintain boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health in the workplace?
  • How do you set and maintain boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health in the workplace? 
    
    

Stress Statistics:

Recent findings from APA’s 2023 Work in America Survey shed light on the prevalence and consequences of workplace toxicity:

1.    More than one in five (22%) workers experience harm to their mental health while on the job.

2.    More than one in five (22%) of employees experienced harassment in the last year, up from 14% in 2022.

Workplace toxicity takes on different shades across industries and job functions:

3.    Customer service positions (31% of respondents) report higher verbal abuse rates compared to manual laborers (23%) and office workers (22%).

The survey also underscores the gravity of workplace discrimination and derogatory behaviors:

4.    More than one in five (22%) employees witness discrimination in their workplace, and 15% have experienced it.

5.    More than one in five (22%) employees witness discrimination in their workplace, and 15% have experienced it.

By initiating several proactive strategies, employers have the potential to not only safeguard employee mental well-being but also foster a more harmonious work environment:

Apply The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework – 5 essential elements to support employee’s mental health and well-being:

1.     Protection from harm 

·        Safety and security

2.     Opportunity for growth 

·        Learning and accomplishment

3.     Mattering at work

·        Dignity and meaning

4.     Work-life harmony 

·        Autonomy and flexibility)

5.     Connection and community

·        Social support and belonging

Summary

In summary, in the battle against workplace toxicity, mutual responsibility between employers and employees stands as a cornerstone. The symbiotic relationship between employer and employee builds a workplace culture that thrives on safety, trust, and a commitment to everyone’s welfare.
 

• Conclusion

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