World Mental Health Day: Embracing the Human in Tech

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we at Whitesmith are embracing the human element in the world of tech and challenging the usual narrative (or lack thereof) around mental health in the workplace.

Discussing mental health on LinkedIn might initially seem weird. But there’s no denying that work strongly affects mental health, and your mental wellbeing influences how you do at work. Isn’t being professional also about fostering an environment where every individual feels safe, heard, and valued?

At Whitesmith, we make it part of our routine to care for each other and maintain our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. We understand the value of nurturing our health and social relationships. How do we achieve this without it becoming overwhelming? Sometimes, a simple “Are you okay?” or “How do you take care of yourself?” is enough. It’s enough to be attentive to another human being and know when a gentler approach is needed.

Research suggests that 1 in 10 people never get asked about their mental wellbeing in the workplace. It’s time to change that and infuse the professional world with some humanity and empathy.

This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to join us and:

• Normalise the Conversation: Let mental health be a topic like any other, reducing stigma and creating a safe space for sharing experiences.
• Listen Actively: When someone opens up, listen without judgement. Offer someone your time and empathy.
• Increase Access to Mental Health Care: Ensure people are aware of the mental health benefits or resources available, both within and outside your organisation.
• Lead with Vulnerability: As leaders, let’s not shy away from sharing our own experiences, fostering an environment where discussing mental health is normal.

Remember: it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s crucial to talk about it. Let’s support each other, not just today, but every day.

We hope you have a good day today and dedicate at least 3 minutes to nurturing your mental health. Let’s continue to reduce the stigma and create healthier, happier workplaces for everyone.