10 days of mental health
Michael, Recruitment Consultant and Sports Psychologist by training talks more about mental health as part of the 10-days of mental health. What does it mean to be mentally fit? How can an employer bring out the full potential of its employees? And what tips does Michael have to help you monitor your own mental and physical health? Read it here.
What does mental health mean to you?
Mental health is essential for me: "There's no health without mental health".
It does not only affect your well-being, it also plays an important part professionally. If you are mentally fit, you have a more positive outlook on life, are more resilient to stress, have a better ability to concentrate and work better with colleagues. However, it can sometimes be a real challenge to stay mentally sharp with all the stimuli we have to deal with daily. Especially in our current society, where we live at a fast pace, it is difficult to escape from those triggers. That's why I try to set boundaries and make sure I keep a healthy balance.
Which work-related factors influence the physical and mental health of employees?
Several studies have shown that a supportive corporate culture can contribute to the employee's overall well-being. Being able to have a good conversation, having a relationship of trust with your manager, a strong team spirit, the feeling that you are appreciated for your work, ... are all elements that give you a boost as an employee.
A mentally healthy workforce is a must for businesses. How can the work environment promote health and bring out employees' full potential?
A healthy work-life balance is increasingly important for employees. They see flexibility and autonomy as a sign of confidence. In addition, they can organise their time in the best possible way so that they can do better and deliver more qualitative work. In addition, it is vital that employees are given the opportunity for continuous learning and development of their talents.
I believe that as recruiters we also contribute to the mental health of the employee. It is our job to find a good fit between the candidate and the company, and between the ambitions of the candidate and the job content. This is how we help candidates reach their maximum potential.
What does Science Talents do to monitor the well-being of its employees? Can we still grow in this area?
Science Talents strongly believes in a good work-life balance. I have the freedom to determine my own hours and to work from home several days a week. I also get a lot of say and my feedback is taken into account. It's not just about grades and results, there is also plenty of time for relaxation. We often end the week with a cava-Friday and we regularly go out to dinner with the team.
How do you guard your mental health?
I consciously make time to de-connect. My laptop remains closed after 6pm and I avoid screen time after work. I also schedule time in my calendar for sports or relaxation. On top of that I notice that routine gives me a lot of grip on life.
Which advice would you give to stay mentally and physically healthy?
As a (sports) psychologist by training, I believe that both go hand in hand. A healthy mind in a healthy body. It sounds cliché but healthy food, regular exercise and enough sleep will take you a long way. Don't forget to relax sufficiently and surround yourself with people who support you.