3 heartfelt ways to make someone’s day
Instead of candy and flowers, reach out to co-workers with kindness.
In a month that’s saturated with images of love and romance, it’s easy to forget that not everyone feels blissfully happy this time of year.
In fact, Oregonians experience relatively high rates of mental health issues, according to research by Mental Health America. Cold, dark days can compound the problem, especially for people prone to seasonal affective disorder. And Valentine’s Day can underscore feelings of loneliness or loss.
In the workplace, stress can have far-reaching effects. Studies show that stressed workers are often less productive and engaged, are more prone to injury, and experiencer higher levels of absenteeism.
Managers and co-workers can help by reaching out to those in need, says Liz Hill, SAIF’s Total Worker Health® advisor. Even small gestures can make a big difference:
- Grab a cup of coffee or tea.
- Go for a walk.
- Ask how they’re doing, and just listen.
You can also direct co-workers to your employee assistance program or community-based resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more resources, including our 60-second stress break videos, visit saif.com/relax.