Mental Health Matters: Tips for Wellness in the Workplace
September 30, 2022
“All of us are going to experience stress in our lives, and global data shows that many will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives. At Caterpillar, our primary focus is on building strength and resilience, so our people are able to endure stressful times and even learn and grow from them.” – Dr. John Pompe, Caterpillar Global Manager, EAP and Employee Health Programs
Challenges to our mental health could be a reality for nearly everyone at some point in their lives and during those times it can have a significant impact on your life both at home and at work.
Caterpillar recognizes the importance of employee health and well-being. With a focus on building a flexible and healthy culture, people-focused leadership development programs, global mental health benefits, Employee Resource Groups and our Total Health and Well-Being programs, Caterpillar makes a significant investment in the mental health and well-being of our employees and the extended Caterpillar family.
Dr. John Pompe is a clinical psychologist who manages Caterpillar’s employee health programs, such as our global Employee Assistance Program and the Total Health and Well-Being program. According to Dr. Pompe, “Our mental and social health are foundational to our total health. When we struggle with personal issues, our physical health declines and we tend to struggle at work.” That’s why Caterpillar prioritizes mental health in all of our health and well-being initiatives. For example, in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caterpillar launched the Building a Stronger You initiative, which focused on education and support programs to help employees build resilience during the very stressful pandemic period.
Caterpillar Mexico’s ACTivate ERG gathers for outdoor activities to support their physical and mental health.”
In terms of building resilience and preventing mental health problems, Dr. Pompe recommends a holistic approach that supports mental health:
- Balance your time in a way that suits you, including making time for pleasurable activities that make you who you are.
- Maintain good physical health, including eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in moderate to intense physical activity on more days than not.
- Stay socially active. Make sure you have at least a few close people in your life who offer support when needed.
- Practice relaxing your mind and body throughout the day, including unplugging from work and your electronics each day.
- Maintain a healthy, growth-minded outlook. Beware of the messages you send yourself about the world around you. Stay optimistic, flexible and realistic, particularly during times of stress.
ACTIVATING WELLNESS
Aligning with our enterprise strategy, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are helping drive alignment by promoting a positive and inclusive employee experience. The ACTivate ERG is focused on connecting and engaging employees who strive to improve and enhance their physical, mental, social and financial well-being to foster a culture of healthy living.
We support our employees by:
- Embracing a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.
- Providing resources and a community to encourage a proactive approach to well-being and healthy living.
- Promoting personal and professional development through focused self-improvement efforts.
- Connecting and supporting community through healthier lifestyles and practices to support work life balance, safe working environments, increased employee engagement and sustainability.
On World Mental Health Day and every day at Caterpillar, we encourage our employees worldwide to balance their day-to-day work and remain mentally fit.
