Breaking the Silence: Why Mental Health Matters in Your Workplace

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at NW Corporate Wellness, we believe it's the perfect time to talk openly about something that affects us all: our mental well-being.

The Reality Check

Let's start with some eye-opening facts:

• 1 in 5 of your employees is likely experiencing a mental health challenge this year

• Over 90% of workers consider mental health support a priority when choosing an employer

• Most people suffering do so silently, worried about judgment or career impact

These aren't just statistics. They're your colleagues, your team members, and maybe even you.

Why Workplace Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever

The modern workplace has evolved dramatically. Remote work, constant connectivity, and blurring boundaries between work and home have created new stressors. Meanwhile, global uncertainties and economic pressures continue to pressurize.

The result? Mental health challenges that affect not just individual wellbeing, but team dynamics and your company's bottom line through:

• Decreased productivity

• Higher turnover

• Increased absenteeism

• Workplace tension

• Reduced innovation

Starting the Conversation

Here's what we know works: talking about it!

Research shows that when colleagues share their mental health experiences, it can increase the use of available support services by up to 8%. Simply put, conversation normalizes getting help.

But starting that conversation can be difficult. Here are some simple ways to break the ice:

• Share your own challenges (as you feel comfortable)

• Ask genuine "how are you?" questions and truly listen

• Normalize therapy talk: "My therapist suggested..." becomes as normal as "My dentist said..."

• Check in with team members who seem withdrawn or whose work patterns have changed

Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace Culture

Culture isn't built in a day, but here are some immediate steps your organization can take:

1. Make Space for Wellbeing: Designate quiet zones where employees can decompress, practice mindfulness, or simply take a mental break. Even small spaces with comfortable seating and calming elements can make a huge difference.

2. Get Moving Together: Physical activity is strongly linked to mental well-being. Try organizing:

• Walking meetings

• Lunch-hour yoga sessions

• Team step challenges

• Outdoor breaks between meetings

3. Flex Your Creative Muscles: Creativity reduces stress and anxiety. Consider:

• Art supplies in breakrooms

• Quick creativity workshops

• Creative problem-solving sessions

• Collaborative creative projects

4. Train Your Leaders: Ensure your managers know how to:

• Recognize warning signs

• Have supportive conversations

• Connect team members with resources

• Model healthy work-life boundaries

Making It Personal

Mental health isn't one-size-fits-all. Your workplace wellness program should reflect the diversity of your team's needs:

• Offer multiple types of support (apps, counseling, peer groups)

• Provide resources in multiple languages

• Recognize that cultural backgrounds affect how people view mental health

• Remember that accessibility matters—make resources available to all employees regardless of location or position

The Business Case for Mental Health Support

If the human factor isn't compelling enough, consider this: companies with robust mental health programs see an average return of $4 for every $1 invested through reduced healthcare costs, decreased absenteeism, and improved productivity.

Mental Health Awareness Month isn't just about awareness—it's about action. Here's what you can do today:

1. Audit your current mental health resources. Are they accessible? Do employees know about them? Are they actually being used?

2. Ask your team what they need. Anonymous surveys can reveal gaps in your current offerings.

3. Start small but meaningful. Even simple changes like encouraging lunch breaks away from desks can shift your culture.

Make mental health a year-round priority. May is just the beginning of an ongoing commitment.

At NW Corporate Wellness, we're passionate about helping organizations build mentally healthy workplaces where every employee can thrive. Because when your team's mental health flourishes, so does everything else.

Need help getting started? Contact us to learn more about our customized workplace mental wellness programs.

5 Easy Seated Stretches to Do at Your Desk for Better Wellness at Work

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees often spend long hours sitting at their desks, which can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced productivity. Incorporating simple seated stretches into your daily routine can significantly improve your posture, alleviate tension, and boost your overall well-being. At NW Corporate Wellness (NWCW), we believe that taking small steps toward wellness can lead to big improvements in how you feel and perform at work. Here are five easy seated stretches to do right at your desk, designed to help you stay active and reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

1. Seated Forward Bend

This stretch helps to release tension in your lower back and hamstrings, both of which can get tight after sitting for long periods.

How to do it:

• Sit with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.

• Slowly hinge forward from your hips, letting your arms hang toward the floor.

• Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply, and then slowly sit back up.

This simple stretch increases circulation and gives your lower back a much-needed break.

2. Seated Side Body Stretch

A seated side body stretch helps to stretch your spine, release tension in your back and shoulders, while improving mobility.

How to do it:

• Sit up tall with your feet flat on the ground.

• Place your right hand on your hip or the arm rest of your chair and reach your left hand to the sky.

• Gently lean your torso to the right, looking towards your hand overhead.

• Option to grab the other hand wrist overhead (like the photo above) for more sensation.

• Hold for 15-20 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

This stretch is great for releasing built-up tension in the spine, especially after hours of sitting.

3. Seated Shoulder Shrugs

Shoulder shrugs are perfect for relieving tension that builds up in the neck and shoulders throughout the day.

How to do it:

• Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.

• Lift your shoulders up toward your ears as you inhale deeply.

• Hold for a few seconds, then exhale as you release your shoulders down.

• Repeat this 5-10 times.

Incorporating shoulder shrugs helps reduce stiffness in the upper body and encourages better posture.

4. Seated Hamstring Stretch

Sitting for long periods can tighten your hamstrings, which may lead to lower back discomfort. This stretch helps to elongate and relieve tension in the legs.

How to do it:

• Sit on the edge of your chair with one leg extended straight in front of you, heel on the ground.

• Keep your other foot flat on the floor and your back straight.

• Gently lean forward from your hips, reaching toward your toes.

• Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.

This stretch promotes flexibility and relieves leg stiffness after long hours of sitting.

5. Seated Neck Stretches

Neck stretches are ideal for anyone who experiences neck pain or stiffness from staring at a screen all day.

How to do it:

• Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

• Slowly tilt your head to the right, bringing your ear toward your shoulder.

• Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch sides.

• To deepen the stretch, gently place your hand on the side of your head and apply light pressure.

This stretch helps reduce neck strain and improves your range of motion.

Incorporating Stretches into Your Workday

At NW Corporate Wellness, we encourage employees to take regular breaks for stretching. Not only can these seated stretches improve your physical health, but they can also boost your mental clarity and focus. Taking just a few minutes to stretch at your desk can lead to a more productive, comfortable, and healthier workday.

Key Benefits of Seated Stretches for Corporate Wellness:

• Alleviate muscle tension from prolonged sitting

• Improve flexibility and posture

• Increase blood circulation

• Reduce stress and improve mental clarity

If you're looking for more ways to support wellness in the workplace, our corporate wellness programs offer personalized strategies to enhance employee health and productivity. Contact megan@nwcorporateyoga.com to learn how we can help your team thrive.