Description

In this first episode of our Workplace Series, we dive into the critical role mental health plays in the modern workplace. After a warm welcome (featuring our signature whiny farmer intro), we tackle how to start conversations about mental health at work and explore topics like stress, burnout, addiction, suicide prevention, and anxiety. From corporate mental health training to first aid for trauma, we discuss the value of investing in these programs—and share some horror stories from ineffective rollouts. We’ll also highlight data-backed benefits, including improved workplace culture, decreased stigma, and the importance of supporting managers with the right tools. If you've ever wondered how to foster a healthier workplace, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the impact of mental health on workplace productivity and employee well-being.
• Overcome the challenges of the behavioral health system to create a supportive work environment.
• Implement strategies to foster a positive workplace culture for enhanced employee satisfaction and performance.
• Uncover the benefits of mental health training for business success and employee engagement.
• Address addiction and substance use in the workplace to promote a healthy and thriving work environment.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Stepping in Podcast
00:00:44 - Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
00:02:16 - Workforce Retention and Training
00:07:30 - Importance of Training Implementation
00:11:34 - Benefits of Decreasing Stigma
00:12:41 - Tailoring Jobs to Bring Out the Best in Everyone
00:13:26 - Addressing Workplace Culture Issues
00:17:54 - Importance of Mental Health Training
00:19:37 - Training for Suicide Prevention
00:23:02 - Balancing Flexibility and Connection
00:25:17 - Navigating the Rural Roads
00:25:53 - The Perfect Cup of Coffee
00:26:20 - Mental Health in the Workplace
00:26:32 - Future Conversations
00:27:27 - Conclusion and Call to Action 

Links:

• https://www.edgepointlearning.com/blog/signs-of-burnout-at-work 
• https://www.edgepointlearning.com/blog/suicide-prevention-training/ 
• https://archives.drugabuse.gov/trends-statistics/costs-substance-abuse 
• https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJWHM-01-2016-0001/full/html
• https://oem.bmj.com/content/75/6/462.abstract
• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1080/j.1440-1614.2006.01735.x

Connect with us: 

https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 

https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners

https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SRSh12s4hIM