Melanie Boyack, a national keynote speaker and corporate trainer, focuses on stress, trauma, burnout, and productivity/performance in the workplace. She has heard stories from individuals struggling with trauma, such as a Marine who felt weak for showing emotions, a woman going through a painful divorce, and a father concerned about his daughter’s mental health. These personal struggles can affect employees’ performance and well-being, leading to burnout and high turnover rates in companies.
Many employees keep their personal struggles hidden at work, which can impact their productivity, creativity, and ability to connect with colleagues. CEOs and leaders may also face burnout from managing the demands of their positions. Trauma is a common experience, with around 50% of people encountering at least one trauma in their lifetime, potentially impacting half of a company’s workforce. Building stability within a company requires addressing the underlying traumas that employees may be facing.
Companies and leaders can better support employees experiencing trauma by recognizing mental health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Leading by example and addressing personal mental health struggles can create a culture of understanding and support within the workplace. Building awareness and empowering employees with knowledge about mental health can encourage open discussions and create a more supportive environment for those who may be struggling.
Creating opportunities for employees to talk about their mental health needs, providing education and resources, and offering incentives for prioritizing mental health can help employees feel supported and empowered to seek help. External experts and keynote speakers can also provide valuable insights and dispel myths surrounding stress and trauma. By addressing pain points with compassion and support, employees can develop the skills needed to work through their personal traumas and achieve post-traumatic growth.
Forbes Business Council, a prominent organization for business owners and leaders, highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace to foster a culture of well-being and productivity. By addressing trauma and burnout head-on, companies can create a more supportive and successful work environment for all employees. Boyack’s work as a speaker and trainer aims to educate and empower individuals and organizations to better manage stress and trauma in the workplace.
