We take mental health seriously at commercetools. That's why this Mental Health Month we're focusing on how to cope with burnout with a series of events and initiatives for our employees.
May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental wellness. This year at commercetools, the focus is on burnout, a prevalent yet often overlooked aspect of cognitive health. Burnout isn't just feeling tired or stressed; it's a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, cynicism, detachment and reduced performance, as well as physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension and gastrointestinal issues.
Focusing on how to cope with burnout
Burnout is a serious issue that affects individuals across various professions and life stages, and its impact can be profound. Employees experiencing burnout are more likely to experience decreased job satisfaction, have lower productivity and suffer from health issues. The effects of burnout are not limited to individuals; it can also impact organizations, resulting in higher turnover rates, decreased overall performance and increased healthcare costs.
We learned from our Overcoming Burnout webinar that it is essential to make sure we get the proper rest, eat a balanced diet, take walking meetings, set boundaries and take our PTO (paid time off). This webinar was led by Latisha B. Russell, founder of Latisha B. Russell LLC and co-founder of HR consulting firm Russell Craigwell, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in emotional wellness.
During the webinar, Lisa Castranio, Office Operations Manager, reflected, "I appreciated the start/stop/continue exercises. This activity prompted me to reflect on the actions I can take to mitigate burnout. It also served as a valuable reminder of how interconnected different aspects of our lives are — how our work life can impact our personal life and vice versa."
Mental health focus at commercetools
During Mental Health Month (and beyond), focusing on strategies to prevent and address burnout is crucial. At commercetools, we promote work-life balance, offer mental health support through our Employee Assistance programs, foster a supportive work culture, and provide resources and tools to help employees manage their workloads and prioritize tasks.
We also offer our employees opportunities to discuss these challenges through our Open Minds ERG. This ERG is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all employees to engage in open, honest and meaningful conversations. This employee resource group promotes a culture of empathy, understanding and respect by fostering dialogue across differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and other dimensions of diversity.
Mental Health Month is not just a month on the calendar; it's an opportunity to prioritize mental wellness and address issues like burnout that impact individuals and organizations. By raising awareness, promoting strategies to combat burnout and advocating for change, we can create healthier and more supportive environments where everyone can thrive mentally and emotionally.
To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at commercetools, read our press release: Our People: 50+ Cultures, One Global Ethos.
Stephanie Forbes serves as the DEI Leader, Americas at commercetools, where she wholeheartedly champions the cause of fostering inclusive workplaces and communities. With expertise in developing impactful strategies that drive diversity, equity and inclusion, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for promoting diversity and equity across industries and organizations.