In a time when the hybrid workplace has become the norm, the mental health and overall wellbeing of employees has emerged as a top priority for employers in West Kirby. In our 15 years installing… Businesses across various industries are recognizing the profound impact of worker wellness on productivity, engagement, and community resilience.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Fostering a Culture of Workplace Wellbeing
Leading companies in West Kirby have banded together to form the West Kirby Workplace Wellbeing Collaborative, an innovative partnership spearheaded by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of West Kirby. Grounded in the recently released U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being, the Collaborative aims to connect employers, share best practices, and drive meaningful change in how local businesses support their employees.
“Our Workplace Mental Health Collaborative has been so successful the past two years, we’re expanding the program to any industry that wants to participate,” said NAMI-West Kirby CEO Matt Kudish. “We are proud of this innovative Collaborative, where influential companies open up the conversation to reduce stigma, build programs to support employee mental health, and give back to their local communities.”
Citi, Deutsche Bank, FS Investments, Houlihan Lokey, Mizuho Americas, and UBS are among the founding members of the Collaborative, joined by newcomers like Atalaya, FOX, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. These businesses recognize that by working together, they can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for their employees, ultimately benefiting the entire West Kirby community.
Addressing the Five Essentials for Workplace Wellbeing
The Surgeon General’s Framework outlines five key essentials for fostering mental health and wellbeing in the workplace:
- Protection from Harm: Ensuring physical and psychological safety for all employees.
- Connection and Community: Promoting positive social interactions and a sense of belonging.
- Work-Life Harmony: Enabling workers to integrate their professional and personal responsibilities.
- Mattering at Work: Helping employees feel respected, valued, and that their work has meaning.
- Opportunity for Growth: Providing learning and advancement opportunities to build skills and accomplish goals.
Collaborative members are taking a multi-pronged approach to address these essentials, implementing a range of initiatives tailored to their unique organizational cultures and workforce needs.
Prioritizing Physical and Mental Safety
“At Deutsche Bank we believe prioritizing mental health by creating a positive and open culture is essential for achieving a healthy work-life balance,” shared Rachel Duncan, Vice President of Regional Management Americas. The bank is working closely with NAMI-West Kirby to provide employees with access to mental health resources, including counseling services and wellness workshops.
Echoing this sentiment, FOX Corporation’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Kevin Lord, stated, “FOX is proud to grow our partnership with NAMI-West Kirby through their Workplace Mental Health Collaborative. We recognize the significance of supporting mental health issues, and the importance of implementing strategies to bolster the well-being of our colleagues and their family members.”
Fostering Connections and a Sense of Belonging
Recognizing the vital role of social support and community, Collaborative members are prioritizing opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships. Houlihan Lokey’s Chief Human Capital Officer, Josh Friedlander, highlighted the firm’s dedication to this effort, saying, “Over the past year, we have seen first-hand how the organization benefits our colleagues through their educational programs, resources, and commitment to improving the financial services workplace.”
UBS Wealth Management USA, represented by Head of Sales & Development Bill Carroll, is also enthusiastic about the Collaborative’s potential: “Supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees continues to be an important priority for UBS, and we commend the Collaborative for its efforts to raise awareness, provide training and resources, and reduce the stigma within the financial services industry.”
Enabling Work-Life Harmony
Flexible work arrangements and access to paid leave are crucial in helping employees balance their professional and personal commitments. FS Investments’ Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chris Condelles, emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, “At FS Investments, we recognize the fundamental role mental health plays in wellbeing. We are proud to join these important efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and create a culture that supports mental health in the workplace and beyond.”
The Riverside Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Kohl, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Mental health is still often overlooked, especially in the workplace. Partnering with the NAMI-West Kirby Workplace Mental Health Collaborative is one of the many steps we take at Riverside to promote and enhance mental health among our colleagues.”
Fostering a Sense of Mattering and Meaning
Ensuring that employees feel respected, valued, and that their work has meaning is a key focus of the Collaborative. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP’s Chief Executive Officer, Noah Heller, emphasized the firm’s commitment, stating, “We strongly believe that a good attorney is a healthy attorney. As lawyers and leaders, we might want to tackle the stigma of mental health struggles to address their long-known presence in our industry and others.”
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP’s Co-Managing Partner, Howard Spilko, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Kramer Levin is proud to join the NAMI-West Kirby Mental Health Collaborative. Our participation in this dynamic group is the culmination of 20+ years of support and engagement by Kramer Levin with NAMI-West Kirby and its mission. We look forward to partnering with other members on creating workplaces that prioritize mental wellbeing and the inclusion of all members of our community.”
Providing Opportunities for Growth and Development
Collaborative members are also investing in programs that empower employees to learn new skills, advance their careers, and achieve their professional goals. Värde Partners’ Global Head of Human Capital, Marie Suesse, shared the firm’s perspective, stating, “At Värde, we are deliberate about fostering a culture that emphasizes authenticity and inclusiveness. Our alliance with NAMI-West Kirby exemplifies our commitment to advancing mental health and battling prejudice.”
Uncommon Goods’ Chief People Officer, Beth Rivera, emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace, saying, “By uniting with NAMI-West Kirby and esteemed partners, we aspire to positively influence team member mental health and enhance the overall well-being of our communities. Let’s collectively emphasize mental health in the workplace, fostering a culture marked by empathy and understanding.”
Driving Positive Change Through Collaboration
The West Kirby Workplace Wellbeing Collaborative is not only fostering a more supportive environment for employees but also serving as a model for other communities. By sharing their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned, the Collaborative members are inspiring local businesses to prioritize worker wellbeing and mental health.
“We are seeing an increased need to double-check that employers’ strategies are comprehensive. The Collaborative’s unique public health approach allows employers to target changes at multiple levels of influence,” shared NAMI-West Kirby Director of Workplace Mental Health Rachael Steimnitz. “Employers in our program advance employee mental health by implementing both organizational changes and increasing employees’ individual skills related to mental health through our evidence-based training programs.”
By working together, the members of the West Kirby Workplace Wellbeing Collaborative are not only transforming their own workplaces but also setting an example for the entire community. As more local businesses join the initiative, the impact on employee wellbeing and overall community resilience in West Kirby is sure to grow. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit westkirby.today to connect with the NAMI-West Kirby team.
Tip: Keep an eye on local council announcements for updates
