It was so disheartening to read all the comments on social media - they overwhelmingly said something like "it goes with the territory" or "suck it up buttercup". I find it's the same in the workplace. If you "can't handle it" you shouldn't have the job. I just asked my employer for more time off to deal with a personal trauma that came on top of the peak of Covid. Our culture is definitely now one of work work work, tons of hours, no time off, no one takes breaks, emails 24/7, etc. - and it's not healthy for me. I took a pay cut but at least they allowed it - we'll see if they really honor it. I look forward to reading more about what you have to say on this topic.
Thank you for sharing, Karen. You are right that there are much deeper cultural issues here that make it challenging to address our mental health. That being said, I think it's clear that acknowledge that what we are doing is not working is a good first step - but not enough. I hope your employers recognize the importance of flexibility, including time off!
This past year I worked for Boise School District and was often encouraged to take sick-leave for mental health purposes. It made me avoid any guilt about taking time off, and I came back to work the next day grateful and enthusiastic to get back to work. Just one of many ways I felt valued as a Boise School District employee!
That's a great example, Kyle. There are so many different ways that we can better embrace mental health in our workplaces. Sometimes it requires creativity and flexibility. As a former educator, there's nothing better than feeling valued by your school district! Thank you for sharing.
It was so disheartening to read all the comments on social media - they overwhelmingly said something like "it goes with the territory" or "suck it up buttercup". I find it's the same in the workplace. If you "can't handle it" you shouldn't have the job. I just asked my employer for more time off to deal with a personal trauma that came on top of the peak of Covid. Our culture is definitely now one of work work work, tons of hours, no time off, no one takes breaks, emails 24/7, etc. - and it's not healthy for me. I took a pay cut but at least they allowed it - we'll see if they really honor it. I look forward to reading more about what you have to say on this topic.
Thank you for sharing, Karen. You are right that there are much deeper cultural issues here that make it challenging to address our mental health. That being said, I think it's clear that acknowledge that what we are doing is not working is a good first step - but not enough. I hope your employers recognize the importance of flexibility, including time off!
This past year I worked for Boise School District and was often encouraged to take sick-leave for mental health purposes. It made me avoid any guilt about taking time off, and I came back to work the next day grateful and enthusiastic to get back to work. Just one of many ways I felt valued as a Boise School District employee!
That's a great example, Kyle. There are so many different ways that we can better embrace mental health in our workplaces. Sometimes it requires creativity and flexibility. As a former educator, there's nothing better than feeling valued by your school district! Thank you for sharing.