At the recent PCI Convention, I sat in on the mental awareness portion of the Workforce Development Committee. I commend Todd Adams for taking the lead on this complex issue. Because mental health has no one-size-fits-all solution, we must vary our approaches to supporting each other. 

Actively listening and opening our minds to someone else's situation is always the first step. As an industry, we tend to be mechanical in our approach to solving problems; however, listening to someone’s emotions is anything but mechanical. Too often, we avoid people and situations that make us uncomfortable even though we know there is a need for help. Taking time to observe, listen, and talk can literally mean the difference between life and death.

The daily news reminds us that oftentimes, mental health struggles spill over into the workplace. The burdens our fellow coworkers carry influence and affect workplace morale and productivity. As leaders and influencers in our industry, we need to be quick to recognize and support the valuable employees we work with. Your investment in employees and associates isn’t merely an investment in your bottom line. It is an investment in their family stability, the community and our society. Let’s all lean into this issue and challenge ourselves to be receptive to the needs of others and seek ways to help others build a bridge to brighter days.