Connecting the Dots - Inclusion and Mental Health Culture Change at Work: Interview with Dan Lester

While efforts to connect people going through tough times to counselors may be helpful, the efforts are not sufficient. For instance, it’s not good enough just to get “troubled workers” to treatment when the workplace environment is filled with psychosocial hazards like prejudice and discrimination. When we look at a more comprehensive approach to issues of trauma, addiction and distress, we see we have more work to do. We need also fix our environments – make them psychologically healthy and safe for all. In other words, prejudice and discrimination are often root causes of people who are emotionally unwell and just giving people coping skills, building resilience and encouraging self-care do not solve these problems. How do we help ensure our well-being efforts meet the needs of a diverse workforce? When people of color are encouraged to seek counseling, many barriers often exist. Mental health providers lack representation from communities of color, and this often lack skills culturally responsive care. To make things more challenging, some diverse cultures have strong norms and religious taboos around accessing formal mental health services. In this episode, I speak with the Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, Dan Lester. Dan is also a tireless mental health advocate. In our conversation, we start to connect these workplace challenges in meaningful ways and get comfortable being uncomfortable.Three takeaways:1. Work to see ALL of the people around you. Even the ones that push you out of your comfort zone.2. Get in the game. Behave until you believe. 3. Don't forget about yourself. You are the answer to your problems. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/12