Prattville Chamber Luncheon emphasizes the importance of mental health in the workplace

Carmen Rodgers

Elmore Autauga News

The Chamber of Commerce of Prattville was on Wednesday, May 21, at the Catfish House in Monthly Chamber Luncheon in the Catfish House.

This lunch brought together local managing directors and parishioners to concentrate on the crucial role that plays mental health in safety in the workplace and generally well -being.

Lunch was sponsored by International Paper and emphasized how important it is to support the mental and emotional health of employees as a fundamental part of a secure and productive work environment.

In recognition of the month of consciousness for mental health, the participants of Cary Kuhlman, the Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center, which offers individuals and families in the entire river region affordable, mentally sensitive psychological health care.

Since its foundation in 1999, the center has applied a full -person approach to advice to take into account emotional, physical and spiritual needs in order to promote permanent well -being and balance.

Kuhlman, who entered the Samaritan Counseling Center in 2016 as an executive director, shared thoughtful knowledge and practical strategies for the inclusion of awareness of mental health in daily routines and professional environments.

“Our high brand two years ago were 13,000 advisory times,” said Kuhlman. “We were very active and we saw enormous growth.”

The non-profit organization employs 17 consultants and five administrative staff who operate the Montgomery location of the Samaritan Counseling Center.

His presentation underlined the value of promoting a workplace culture that promotes open discussions about mental health and provides resources for those who may need psychiatric services.

“We deal with the stigma in terms of mental health,” said Kuhlman. “We haven't deleted it yet, but we undermine it and we do a good job. People are facing up to look for help.”

Kuhlman explained that the center's mission is rooted in a wellness-focused philosophy.

“We do this through a wellness-oriented philosophy that emphasizes the spirit, body, mind and community,” he said.

“There is an emotional physical side in the workforce, and this can affect performance, morality and long -term employee loyalty,” said Kuhlman.

Kuhlman said that 88% of the employees in this country feel that they work for an organization that does not take care of them.

In addition, the feeling of how an employee feels at work can affect life at home.

“The way our team members are treated at work has a profound influence in the way they return home and treat their spouses and children,” he said when he explained a study recently carried out by the center.

Kuhlman offered three important strategies to change the workplace culture: promotion of micro residues, support healthy limits and creation of a safe space for open discussions about mental health.

Kuhlman also suggested taking a lunch break with “no phone”.

“Take your time to relax and interact with colleagues,” he said. “Put the phones away and switch them off.”

Kuhlman promotes simple strategies to support mental well -being during the working day and offered a practical tip.

“Go through the building. Let the fresh air clear your mind to prepare and address the rest of the working day,” he said.

Set your limits. Leave the work at work and enjoy your time at home.

“Set limits for emails and calls to work,” he said. “As a manager, we are around the clock. Well, if we do this with our employees, they only generate more stress at the workplace, since their employees are paid around the clock around the clock and may not be paid around the clock. Respect this time outside of work. Do not send e -mails and texts after hours, dinner or family time.”

Kuhlman brought up the idea of ​​the regret-Freee-TPO.

“Vacation and PTO are there for a certain reason. You are there for you to refresh yourself. To recharge yourself and then come back to the job. Encourage your employees to take this time that is assigned so that they can be better employees,” he said.

Kuhlman asked other managing directors to talk about mental aids.

“Make mental health part of the dialogue,” said Kuhlman. “Pay attention to things. Ask questions like” Hey, are you okay? “

Kuhlman also encouraged managers and managing directors to organize an open house.

“Open this door so that an employee can speak freely,” he said.

The correlation between well -being and performance at the workplace is undeniable. The creation of an environment in which spiritual and emotional security is prioritized not only improves individual morality, but also improves team dynamics and general organizational success.

“A physiologically safe job leads to stronger teams and better results,” said Kuhlman.