Braving Boundaries Corporate Wellness Brochure 2022

It’s good for clients. It’s good for business. It’s the right thing to do.

~ 2016 Task Force Report

8 practical ways to improve staff mental health and well-being

The fear around mental health

Introduction1

WELLNESS ARTICLES

Article 1: The fear around mental health

Article 2: The reality of mental health in the working world

Article 3: 11 strategies to improve your mental health and well being (Individual Focus)

Article 4: 8 practical ways to improve staff mental health and well being (Corporate Focus)

WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

FURTHER INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Since the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008/9, there has been a significant shift in awareness towards the importance of corporate well being. Initially, greater emphasis was placed on healthy eating within the workplace and ergonomic furniture to counteract the long hours staff spent at their desks However, this failed to address the, arguably, more critical mental health and wellness issues experienced by staff members which were associated with working in demanding workplace environments.

Over the last decade, many industries have sought to implement charters to encourage companies to: (a) provide education and training around potential mental health issues which staff may experience (or see others experience) within the workplace; and (b) incorporate policies and practices which promote healthier workplace behaviour.

Unfortunately, statistics still indicate that mental health and wellness issues continue to plague workplace environments. In fact, they are on the increase.

The purpose of this Corporate Wellness Brochure is to provide your company/firm with:

a more detailed insight into what mental health is all about; some ways in which your firm/company can support staff wellness.

the role of and benefit to the individual and the corporate in improving mental health and well being practices; and

As the 2016 Task Force Report succinctly states, improving and supporting staff wellness is: “good for clients, it’s good for business and it’s the right thing to do”

If you would like to discuss further the ways in which you can develop your corporate wellness offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact me on frieda@bravingboundaries.com

I hope you enjoy the read!

Your staff are your greatest asset. Your prized commodity. Your engine.

Like a car, if you want your team to function well, you need to keep the engine in good condition.

B R A V I N G B O U N D A R I E S

ARTICLE 1: THE FEAR AROUND MENTAL HEALTH

By Frieda Levycky

What is it with the term ‘mental health’ that causes us so much discomfort?

No one is born with an affliction towards the words ‘mental health’ It is something which has been learned as we have grown up

As children, the phrase: “Are you mental?” was often bandied around the playground A bout of giggles usually followed, except from the poor little kid at whom the comment was directed

From an early age, even if subconsciously, the word ‘mental’ was developing a negative association to being crazy; mad; out of control

Back in my day, there were no classes around mindfulness or mental health And, in general, very few open conversations around mental health were held in the home environment either

The snippets of adult conversations which we did overhear around a family member’s mental health were, more often than not, halted when we entered the room merely stigmatising further this already negative notion we felt towards mental health.

For many, this lack of education and discussion around mental health continued into adult life. Mental health was still rarely spoken about in open terms, limiting the opportunity to allay the unwarranted, negative connotations associated with mental health, and gain any real understanding as to what mental health actually is.

HOW PEOPLE REACT TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

You’ll have, no doubt, seen the following situations play out in the workplace:

The colleague who yells at you for not being “tough enough” for your job when you are stressed from overwork (fight).

The boss who can’t find his words when you try to explain that you have just had a panic attack (freeze).

The friend who avoids you when you say you are struggling with depression as if you can catch it (flight).

These are fear reactions: fight, flight or freeze, resulting from a feeling of inadequacy to address the issues at hand and the preconceived ideas around mental health as a whole

SO, WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as:

“a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

As further described by the Western Cape Government of South Africa:

“‘Mental health’ is not merely about an absence of mental illness, but rather the presence of mental health and well being.”

So, let’s get this clear:

Mental health is a state of well-being, something which everyone possesses, which can fluctuate from time to time.

Nothing too scary about that.

1 “What is good mental health?” by the UK Mental Health Foundation

GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

When a person is experiencing a good level of mental health, they are able to fulfil a number of key day to day functions and activities.

The Mental Health Foundation in the UK describes good mental health as, amongst other things:

1

the ability to learn the ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.

Research has shown that there is also a direct correlation between the physical health of a person and their mental health.

2

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

Poor mental health can manifest in a number of ways and to varying degrees. Some examples are highlighted below:

Stress Anxiety

Changes in mood/behaviour Erratic thinking Impulsive actions

Controlled/uncontrollable eating Panic attacks Low self esteem Exaggerated sense of self worth Use of controlled substances Reliance on alcohol Anger Feelings of loneliness Sleep problems

Burnout

Becoming quiet/withdrawn Suicidal feelings Lack of self worth

Do any of those sound familiar?

2 Galderisi S, Heinz A, Kastrup M, Beezhold J, Sartorius N. “Toward a new definition of mental health”. World Psychiatry. 2015;14(2):231-233. doi:10.1002/wps.20231

I’d hazard a guess, that at some point in every person’s life, the words: “I’m stressed” will leave their lips. With demanding clients, long hours and a competitive working environment, it’s part and parcel of working in this day and age.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Before continuing, it is important to understand that there is a clear distinction between mental health and mental illness (even though these concepts are often used interchangeably).

In other words:

you can have good mental health (e.g. a positive outlook, feeling capable of dealing with day to day issues) but be diagnosed with a mental illness (e.g. clinical depression) you can have poor mental health (e.g. struggling with insomnia and stress), but not be diagnosed with a mental illness (e.g. alcoholism)

Needless to say, poor mental health, if not addressed, can become a mental illness.

HOW DO WE EFFECT CHANGE TOWARDS MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE?

So, with the knowledge that mental health is a state of well being, something which we all possess, and not something to fear, how do we change the attitude towards mental health in the workplace?

We have to:

educate individuals and corporates about mental health encourage open conversations about different types of mental health issues practice good mental health acknowledge and admit when we are struggling and seek help when we need it lean in to the discomfort of learning a new way of working where mental and physical health are promoted and protected

Mental illness includes a range of conditions for which there are standard criteria used to diagnose them (e.g. depression, anxiety, substance abuse). A mental illness significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people

For those of you who have met me or read “my story”, you’ll know that I readily admit to having struggled with stress, insomnia and low self esteem at various stages throughout my career As a workaholic I’d thrown everything into my career which came at the sacrifice to my personal relationships, my enjoyment of life and my physical and mental health Tackling these issues helped me to recognise that I was not alone in my discomfort and confusion I realised that many people struggle with trying to juggle and balance the myriad of demands that life throws at us and reaching out for help didn’t make me weak or less capable Nor did it damage my career In fact, it made me stronger, more self reliant and more self aware

3 “Mental Health v Mental Illness” by Newcastle Industrial Benefits

ARTICLE 2: THE REALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKING WORLD

By Alicia Koch

There is no denying it The global workforce (both before but more so after COVID 19) has a real mental health problem It’s a problem that not only severely affects those suffering with mental health issues but has also cost companies worldwide billions of Dollars, Pounds and Rands every year And it is a problem that needs to be addressed

Take a look at the statistics on pages 8 9

STOPPING THE STIGMA RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is always spoken about in hushed tones and usually behind closed doors. As if it is something to be ashamed of. But, why?

There is nothing weak about mental health. We all have a level of mental health, and that level of health (as with our physical health) fluctuates over time.

So why does the term “mental” trigger such awkwardness and discomfort in so many of us?

As Frieda mentioned in the previous article, perhaps our youth has something to do with it?

Growing up, the slang term “mental” was used quite often When you heard that a party was “mental”, you automatically assumed that it was wild and that things got out of hand Similarly, if someone were to call another person “mental”, you immediately kept your distance at the connotation that the person was, in fact, crazy (not that we were qualified to ascertain anyone’s state of mind)

But the actual definition of ‘mental’ (according to the Oxford Dictionary) is nothing sinister it literally means “related to the mind” However, when you put the words mental and health together, we are led to something far more complex, far more important, but sadly, less spoken about

Isn’t it time to reshape how we, as a society, view mental health and the associated issues?

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE USA

123

Americans die by suicide approximately every day

of people have trouble sleeping because of stress

of nearly 53 million U S adults with a mental illness, have accessed mental health services

of respondents say workplace stress affects their mental health

4 Defeat Suicide: https://www.defeatsuicide.com/the-epidemic

of people surveyed reported that their employers offer a culture where time off is respected

5 The Recovery Village: Stress Facts and Statistics: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/stress/stress-statistics/

6 Mental Health in America – A 2022 Workplace Report: https://www.workplacementalhealth.shrm.org/2022-workplace-report

7 Mental Health America: 2022 Mind the Workplace report: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/

8 American Psychological Association: 2022 Work & Well-being Survey: https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being/2022-mental-healthsupport

MENTAL HEALTH IN

70

million 4 in 10 £53-56 billion

THE UK workdays are lost each year due to mental health problems, costing employers approximately £2.4 billion per year

workers said they felt less resilient since the pandemic is the estimated labour turnover costs reached in 2020 21

of workers said they felt under pressure to put on a brave face at work

of all work related ill health cases in 2020/21 were attributed to stress, depression or anxiety

9 The Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/mental-health-workplace 10 HR News: https://hrnews.co.uk/looking-after-employees-mental-health 11 HR News: https://hrnews.co.uk/looking-after-employees-mental-health

12 Deloitte: Mental Health & Employers – The case for investment: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/consultancy/deloitte-uk-mental-health-report-2022.pdf 13 Health & Safety Executive UK (HSE): https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress.pdf

MENTAL HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA

MENTAL

PERCEPTION OF THE CORPORATE WORLD

I have one image for you a suit. Picture Harvey Specter in his expensive designer suit, working late into the night demanding excellence in everything he does. And from everyone he works with. And now picture someone you know who is exactly like this. I bet someone popped into your head almost immediately. Maybe it was yourself.

With the big cars, big houses, and expensive dinners out, “society” (in general), does not consider how professionals in corporates may in reality be affected by the work they do. And let’s be honest no one is admitting to actually being affected by their work. Out loud anyway. And this is an impossible standard as if admitting that we are affected by our work makes us less capable of actually doing it.

And let’s be clear about one thing that’s absolute rubbish!

The sad reality this is how many of us have been brought up, this is how many of us believe we need to behave We have been taught to work hard, get paid and do whatever it takes to get ahead including sacrificing our own health Both physically and mentally And this “idea” continues long into most of our professional lives

Truthfully, we can all agree that this image of strength, perseverance, resilience and perfection is exactly how “Corporates” are represented in mainstream media workaholics, and die hard perfectionists (we touch on this subject at Braving Boundaries) Professionals in their high end suits, who are always rational and invincible to stress Untouchable, bullet proof and almost superhuman

WHAT IS “MENTAL HEALTH”?

According to Mental Health.gov, a person’s mental health refers to their “emotional, psychological, and social well being. It affects how we think, feel, and act”.

And in today’s tough, competitive, and sometimes “cutthroat” business world, a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well being is not (very often) considered to be top of mind. From youngsters, a lot of us have been taught to just “get on with it”, “Keep calm and carry on”. Harden up. Have thicker skin. The workplace is no place for sensitivity.

But is being affected by something necessarily just being sensitive? And even if you are sensitive, does that mean there is no place for you in a corporate? That shouldn’t be the case. And yet, as we have been constantly led to believe seemingly (at least), is.

None of us are bullet proof and we are certainly not superhuman. Any expectation to the contrary is a very dangerous one.

THE REALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

An overwhelming majority of professionals in the workplace are suffering with mental health problems

Similarly, in an article titled Mental Health in the Legal Industry: It’s Time to Take Action, they state the following:

22

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people are estimated to suffer from depression globally. Around the world, close to 800 000 people die due to suicide often caused by depression every year. And the legal industry is not immune.

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University on the issue suggests that the prevalence of depression is closely related to a person’s professional occupation. ”

And let’s stop there for a second. As this bears repeating. 300 million people are estimated to suffer from depression globally.

21

In an article by Polity titled Managing mental health related issues in the workplace, it states that:

“Over the last few years, employers have experienced an increase in the number of employees suffering from mental health related issues in the workplace.

Covid 19 has seen a refocus on mental health in the workplace. Covid 19 is however only an additional factor to mental health issues in the workplace. Poor working conditions, excessive or insufficient workloads and poor leadership may also contribute towards employees suffering from mental health related issues.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues suffered by employees in the workplace. According to The World Health Organisation, approximately 350 million people suffer from depression around the world. Around 27% of South Africans suffer from depression. It is also estimated that employee absenteeism on account of depression costs the South African economy approximately R19 billion annually.”

Those are astonishing (and frightening) statistics and outcomes of many studies around mental health worldwide

And despite these statistics, there still seems to be a stigma associated with admitting to some form of mental health concern

As if admitting that you are not bullet proof is a weakness

21 Polity - Managing mental health related issues in the workplace: https://www.polity.org.za/article/managing-mental-health-related-issues-inthe-workplace-2021-09-02

22 Leaders League - Mental Health in the Legal Industry: It’s Time to Take Action: https://www.leadersleague.com/en/news/mental-health-in-thelegal-industry-it-s-time-to-take-action

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

We are starting to see many companies take a more proactive approach to managing mental health providing access to services such as counselling, coaching, mental health first aiders and employee assistance programmes (EAPs), to support individuals with mental health issues Areas that impact mental health such as financial wellbeing, diet, alcohol intake and sleep and developing programmes to address these specific issues are also becoming top of mind

Progression around mental health issues is starting to happen more frequently Thankfully And those of us struggling with mental health issues are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel Even if it is happening relatively slowly at least there is a shift in the right direction.

For some people, it is the first time that they have been ready to admit, out loud, that they are suffering from some kind of mental health issue. And that is progress. Perhaps as we continue the healing process following the pandemic, we can use this new knowledge to continue encouraging people (and businesses) to talk freely and openly about mental health in the workplace. Develop policies, protect people, encourage discussion, and promote overall mental wellbeing.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Wouldn’t it be nice if the phrase “are you mental?” was no longer associated with negative connotations that are currently invoked when hearing the phrase, but rather that “are you mental?” quite simply meant, is your mental health ok?

Lastly, we would like to leave you with the following moving, touching, relatable and relevant article titled The Courage “To Become” by Jennifer Tracy:

“Your thoughts don’t define you.

Your inadequacies don’t define you.

Your past does not define you

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What defines you are the actions you take every day to be a person of excellence.

Excellence must not be mistaken for perfection Knowing this is essential if you are fighting to overcome anxiety, grief, depression, or PTSD.

You must love who you are right now and work on yourself each day because you know you are worth it.”

ARTICLE 3: 11 STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

By Frieda Levycky & Alicia Koch

WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT! Every person is different. Their life experiences are different. Their resilience levels are different. Their coping mechanisms are different. So, a situation which may seem manageable to one person, may well be experienced very differently by another. And the impact on their mental health may also differ. Vastly.

Let’s give you an example.

I (Frieda) have spent my career in very alpha dominated environments: on a trading floor and in law firms. I’m used to dealing with unwanted attention, big tempers and high pressured, competitive work environments. It doesn’t mean that I’m immune to the negative effects of these, but I have a pretty good coping mechanism in place. One could say that I became accustomed to what those environments entailed. But I also have a personality which has the ability to call someone out when a line has been crossed, and to say ‘no’ when something is not acceptable. And that took some learning.

But, that isn’t the case for everyone.

With job security being so high on the list of priorities for most people, standing up for themselves or asking for help (when they are struggling), is not going to come easily. Instead, the impact of the event is internalised; it conflicts with personal values and morals, and causes more distress for the individual. It is a snowball waiting to happen. And not in the fun, “do you want to build a snowman” kind of way.

The reason I mention this up front is that some of the situations listed below may seem trivial or part and parcel of being a professional and working in competitive environments. The “keep quiet and get on with it” mentality But we are looking at this through our own lens It is therefore very subjective

G L E N N C L O S E

"What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversations."

COMMON CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE

Needless to say, this has a knock on effect to their personal lives Many people experience fractious home relationships with their partners and children, miss important events and work through holidays and weekends. There is a constant pressure to be 100% percent ‘on’ in everything they do (to basically be Wonder Woman/Superman). It’s no wonder that the proverbial balls get dropped from trying to juggle too much. It’s exhausting!

Sedentary lifestyles:

When you work long hours, you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk This often leads to unhealthy eating habits (both to stay awake and sustained), lethargy sets in, the desire to exercise dissipates, and the weight starts to pile on Client dinners and drinks are also part of the course, fuelling the unhealthy lifestyle even further

Inter-office relationships:

Seeking to identify every situation which could impact the mental health of an individual would be impossible. As we said, everyone is different and so are their tolerance levels. However, here are some of the more common situations expressed by professionals that have taken a toll on their mental and physical health:

Climbing the ranks and bringing in clients:

Whatever profession you are in law, insurance, consultancy, sales, social media, services whether you run your own business or are climbing higher up the corporate ladder, there is a constant pressure to bring in regular and/or new business and clients. This stressful dynamic can cause anxiety, erratic behaviour and, for many, very sleepless nights.

Too much work; too little personal life:

Given that we now live in a culture which ensures 24/7 contactability, many individuals struggle to find downtime from their working worlds

With so much time being spent in the office, it’s no wonder that romantic relationships with colleagues form. Sometimes those relationships flourish, but more often than not, they serve as an interim distraction before one party moves on. Needless to say, that daily reminder of the more intimate relationship that once was, can be painful, distracting and in some cases debilitating.

Toxic work environments:

The insecurities displayed within work teams can be rife! Jostling for promotions. Competition for work to be seen up the chain. Personality clashes. Bullying. Back stabbing. Ostracism. If you are on the receiving end of any of the pushback, the office can feel like a minefield. You remain on tenterhooks all day and then bring the emotional drama home with you at night. A never ending spiral.

The ‘-isms’:

Sexism, racism, machoism, chauvinism the list goes on. I’d love to say these things no longer exist in professional working environments, but they do.

And the impact of being treated as an outsider/lesser than, can have a detrimental impact on the mental health of an individual.

Lack of interaction

As hybrid working becomes more common, the regularity of interaction amongst colleagues dissipates. Whereas some people strive in remote working conditions, others struggle with being away from their friends and colleagues. Many worry about the impact that this is having on their career trajectory and development. Feelings of isolation are common (particularly for those living on their own). Many worry about what others are doing; about being too quiet; about being forgotten.

The list is endless And, I repeat, different people will experience these scenarios in different ways For those of you who are struggling with your mental health at the moment, let’s look at some strategies that can help improve your mental health in a healthy, productive and proactive way

Practical steps that you can already start doing today include:

Prioritise priorities

Let’s be honest, yes, work is demanding, but there are successful professionals and entrepreneurs, with the same number of hours in the day, who manage to have a happy and fulfilling life outside of the office. What secret do they know that you don’t? They make a choice. They have balance. Next time you hear yourself saying: “I just don’t have the time”, I invite you to consciously stop and ask yourself these three questions:

“What am I prioritising here?”

“What am I sacrificing?”

“Is this the option I want to choose?”

Playtime is not a waste of time:

Do you remember what it was like to play? That time when you climbed Mount Everest in record breaking time with just a sleeping bag, a penknife and some science goggles as protection! That time when you realised that cartwheeling was the fastest way to get from A to B! That time you discovered that sprinkles on cakes are actually tiny little magical rainbows! Can you tell I’ve recently spent time with my nieces and nephews!

SO,

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOURSELF? TODAY!

It’s easy to blame the competitive and demanding working environment for our mental health problems, but it cannot be held solely responsible. Whereas corporates have a responsibility to address systemic issues which negatively impact the health of their staff, we too, as individuals, have a responsibility to look after ourselves as best we can (physically, mentally and emotionally).

Play is given such little credence when we enter adult life. It’s seen as silly, childish, a waste of time. But play is actually a really important part of life. It provides a much needed mental break and it allows you to recharge your batteries and have some fun. How you spend your time matters. And play time deserves to matter.

Live within your means

We live in a world which encourages us to overspend. It’s all well and good wanting to keep up with the Kardashians’, but a decadent lifestyle can handcuff you. By reining back our outgoings, we give ourselves freedom, flexibility and a lot less stress.

Sleep

Poor sleep has been linked to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression According to Harvard Medical School, studies suggest that a good night’s sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disruptions set the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability For professionals, 8 hours sleep may not feel like an option So, concentrate on quality over quantity Block out the blue light Web MD succinctly describes how blue light (that bright white light emitted by our electronic devices) messes with our body’s ability to prepare for sleep It blocks a hormone called melatonin that makes us sleepy So, 30 minutes before bedtime, instead of scrolling through social media and emails (we all do it!), grab a Harlan Coben off the bookshelf and lose yourself in the fictional world

Keep active

Lulls in mental health can leave you feeling sluggish and less inclined to exercise but it’s important to try and keep yourself moving Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins, our body’s own anti depressant It also releases other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which lifts our mood If you’ve got a sport you love, build it back into your weekly routine If not, try out something completely new

Sing

Yes, gents, you too! There is nothing quite like belting out a good tune to lift your mood! Singing is a natural anti depressant. Like exercise, it releases endorphins and makes you feel happy. Scientists have also proven that a tiny organ in the ear (the sacculus) responds to the frequencies created by singing.

The response creates an immediate sense of pleasure, irrespective of how good or bad your singing is. Watch out Elton John!

Eat well

Eating foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fatty acids is key to keeping your brain in good working order and therefore improving mental health Eat regularly throughout the day to maintain a constant blood sugar level and avoid those dreaded sugar crashes Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, limit your alcohol intake (as it has a depressant effect on the brain, which can result in a rapid worsening of your mood) and make sure you keep hydrated We all need a treat now and then, but if your mood is low, improving your diet is a quick and easy area to make improvements

Meditate

I won’t lie It’s not for everyone But if you are stressed and are looking for a simple way to take time out from the relentless pace of daily life, then meditation and mindfulness exercises are a great place to start It can be a challenge to begin with, but free apps such as Headspace, Simple Habit and Oak can all help you to train your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts

24 Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School - Sleep deprivation can affect your mental health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mentalhealth

25 WebMD - How Blue Light Affects Your Sleep: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-blue-light

26 Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

27 Simplehabit: https://www.simplehabit.com/ 28 Oak: https://www.oakmeditation.com/

Maintain your external relationships

Invest time and energy in your relationships outside of the office. They matter. When things get tough at work, colleagues can often feel conflicted. It is your friends and family outside of the office who will be your greatest support. So take the time to build and maintain these relationships.

Seek external support

Coaching, counselling and mentorship services, such as those that can be found at Braving Boundaries, offer a confidential space to talk and think through any personal difficulties with a trained professional Many people find it helpful to do this with someone who isn’t a friend, colleague or family member

Take a break

Holidays are a necessity NOT a luxury! Every judicial system around the world has built in statutory minimum holiday requirements for employees for a reason.

Why? Because it is a common, well researched fact that a holiday is essential to recover from the daily stress of work. Life is short, it is unpredictable and it is fragile embrace every moment you have on this planet and live well.

Don’t just survive each day, enjoy each day. And taking a real holiday (or simply taking the weekend for yourself), is key to achieving a balance, well lived life Real rest is crucial

And if you need a little more encouragement, try one of these on for size:

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are ” E E Cummings

“It is courage, courage, courage, that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity ” Horace

It takes courage and bravery to admit that you are experiencing an issue It takes courage and bravery to “grow up” and become the person you are meant to be But it takes even more courage and even more bravery to take a stand for yourself and demand from life the things that you actually want But it is worth it Because your desires and life goals matter Not “one day” But today

So, take your first step and prevent a life only half lived

ARTICLE 4: 8 PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE STAFF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

By Frieda Levycky & Alicia Koch

Mental Health is a topic that is being discussed out in the open nowadays. And by everyone. Because we have all been exposed to mental health issues at some point or other in our lives.

And the fact that we are all being encouraged to talk about it (and seek help where needed) is a good thing.

It’s no longer a matter of “suck it up”, “harden up” or “grow thicker skin”. Those no longer apply. In fact, they never should have in the first place.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) undertook a study around Mental Health in the workplace and reported the following findings:

“Globally, an estimated 264 million people suffer from depression, one of the leading causes of disability, with many of these people also suffering from symptoms of anxiety. A recent WHO led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity”.

The Corporate Wellness magazine in their report on The 2022 State of Workforce Mental Health set out that:

"Employees’ mental health is at an all time low, the survey data suggest. Nearly a third (31 percent) of workers surveyed said their mental health has declined over the past year up from 24 percent at the end of 2020.

While the majority of respondents (56 percent) said their mental health remained the same over the past year, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in good mental health. In fact, 84 percent of workers surveyed experienced at least one mental health challenge over the past year, from issues such as stress and burnout to diagnosable conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD

In addition to more employees reporting declining mental health, workers were also more likely to say they’d faced stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression over the past year The biggest jump was among employees with anxiety, which affected 14 percent more employees than in 2020 "

With 264 million people suffering with depression worldwide and reports stating that employee mental health and well being is at an all time low, it makes one really sit up and take notice

29 World Health Organisation - Mental health in the workplace: https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substanceuse/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace

30 Corporate Wellness Magazine - The 2022 State of Workforce Mental Health: https://www.corporatewellnessmagazine.com/article/the-2022state-of-workforce-mental-health

And it makes one wonder what corporates are actually doing to help combat mental health and wellbeing at the workplace.

The Harvard Business Review, in their article: It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work, stated:

“Although employers have responded with initiatives like mental health days or weeks, four day work weeks, and enhanced counseling benefits or apps, they’re not enough. Employees need and expect sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces, which requires taking on the real work of culture change. It’s not enough to simply offer the latest apps or employ euphemisms like “well being” or “mental fitness.” Employers must connect what they say to what they actually do.”

WHEN LIP-SERVICE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION

Before we go on to discuss the 8 Practical Ways to Improve Staff Mental Health and Well being, we thought it important to emphasise that improving mental health in the workplace is still far below an acceptable standard.

It is:

no longer sufficient to have a mental health strategy which consists of a few pretty A4 posters dotted around the office claiming that mental health awareness is important to the company.

no longer sufficient to fully promote #mentalhealthawareness for a day, week, or month per year (brilliant CSR branding, but ) and then have no ongoing strategy in place to keep the importance of mental health at the forefront of everyone’s mind

no longer sufficient to promote the fact your company has signed up to the Mindfulness Business Charter or the Pledge on Well Being, and then merely pay lip service to that fact.

And lastly, Forbes in their article Future Of Work: 9 Mental Health Predictions In The Post Pandemic Workplace highlighted the following:

“A March 2022 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association suggests that Americans are in “survival mode” due to reports of high stress levels caused by inflation, the ongoing pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine. Given these stressors, it’s crucial that companies reflect on employee support and stress management at work. Managing this overwhelming feeling of global uncertainty along with day to day tasks can lead to even faster burnout, implicating employee morale, productivity, and the company’s bottom line.”

So, what actual strategies have corporates implemented to start improving the mental health of their staff? And, more importantly, what can your corporate do?

no longer sufficient to expect your individual staff members to take sole responsibility for their own mental health issues. Yes, they have a responsibility, but so do you as their employer.

Many companies still have no mental health and well being policies or strategies in place. And there is a general reluctance to spend money on such initiatives, as if the mental health of staff were merely a “nice to have” just another place to cut costs.

In fact, this is probably the one place where you should not be scrimping on costs.

31 The Harvard Business Review - It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work: https://hbr.org/2021/10/its-a-new-era-for-mental-health-at-work 32 Forbes - Future Of Work: 9 Mental Health Predictions In The PostPandemic Workplace: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2022/05/04/future-ofwork-9-mental-health-predictions-in-the-post-pandemic-workplace 33 American Psychological Association - Stress in America: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/march-2022survival-mode

8 PRACTICAL WAYS COMPANIES CAN IMPROVE STAFF WELL BEING

Poor mental health and wellbeing is experienced by everyone (just look at the findings by WHO, the Corporate Wellness Magazine, the Harvard Business Review and Forbes), irrespective of whether they work for a global, regional or boutique company.

NO ONE is immune to poor mental health. So, a corporate strategy which will benefit ALL STAFF at some stage of their career is vital.

Here are 8 practical ways that corporates can improve staff well being:

Educate around mental health

Most people still feel awkward talking about mental health as a whole That is mainly due to a misunderstanding as to what ‘mental health’ actually is. We all need to stop this stigma if there is any chance of improving mental health in the workplace. If you have a dedicated diversity & inclusion team which is capable of creating workshops/trainings around mental health, then regularly offer such trainings (at least once a quarter). If not, then invest in external support (such as Braving Boundaries) which offer such training. Get your staff talking openly about mental health issues in the workplace: what it is, how it manifests, how they can help themselves and others.

Walk the talk

No junior employee is going to look after their mental health, if their boss and Executive Team above them is not doing so first. We mirror the behaviour of our superiors. If they send emails at 10pm or stay in the office late, their juniors are going to feel obliged to do the same.

Change is going to have to come from the top down. If you want a business which has a healthy environment, the management team has to walk the talk.

Manage your clients

So many of us spend our lives living at the beck and call of our clients.

“They pay us so much that we have to be available 24/7” They pay you so much because you give them valuable advice.

“They expect us to be immediately responsive.” They expect you to be immediately responsive because you have created that expectation.

Clients (well, most clients) are human too they have lives outside of the office & understand the importance of work life balance. The company has a duty to manage client expectations and to set realistic deadlines that respect the personal and professional commitments of their staff. As well as reducing personal stress, it will also result in greater respect from your clients and your staff.

Provide appropriate skills training

Being good at your job is no longer just about the work you also have to manage teams, negotiate, market, and bring in new clients. These skills are not always taught.

In fact, some employees don’t know the first thing about management and struggle with business development. Help them to help you. Bring in outside specialists to help develop these business skills at an early stage in their career.

Clamp down on bad behaviour

There is nothing worse than working in a toxic work environment. Executive management has a responsibility to stamp out behaviour which has a negative impact on the mental health of their staff (e.g. bullying, ostracism, the sending of nasty emails, yelling, temper tantrums, gossiping etc ) No one should have to tolerate this type of behaviour in the workplace irrespective of the seniority of the instigator It’s damaging to the team It’s damaging to the reputation of the company It’s damaging to the targeted individual Consider creating a dedicate Mental Health Committee of team members who genuinely care about the mental health of staff Create protocols that allow individuals to report such behaviour without fear of retaliation/repercussion

Provide access to external coaches/counsellors

Many global companies include individuals with coaching or counselling training as part of their Diversity & Inclusion or Human Resources departments This is wonderful, particularly from a training aspect But many staff members will be uncomfortable talking to internal personnel about difficulties at work or home for fear that they will be reported back to management That fear may not be rationale, but it is real In addition, there is a concern that the advice being given by internal staff takes into account the corporate stance and is therefore less neutral Provide your staff with a list of coaches/counsellors who specialise in this area. Give them a chance to choose a person who they are comfortable speaking to about their problems.

Wave goodbye to the personal/professional divide

How many of you’ve heard: “Oh that’s a personal issue. Not a concern for the office.”? Unfortunately, if you want to improve mental health in the work environment, that notion is going to need to be set aside. We are all just people. We have lives outside of the office and those lives are going to have an impact on our day today well being both good and bad. Take a genuine interest in the lives of your staff and colleagues. Get to know them. It establishes trust between team members, but it will also enable you to spot when behaviour changes and when they may need help.

Check-in on your staff

Now, more than ever (given the remote working situation), we need to be checking in on each other Check how your staff are feeling Check if they are struggling with anything If there has been an incident at work, follow up the next day and check that they’re ok It’s the little things that count here If this doesn’t come naturally to you stick a reminder in your calendar to drop them an email It takes one minute to send a quick message to check someone’s ok And that email can change that person’s day

WHY COMPANIES SHOULD CARE ABOUT THEIR STAFF MENTAL HEALTH

If the above information has not convinced you to take the mental health and wellbeing of your staff more seriously, then perhaps reminding you that your employees are your greatest asset, your prized commodity and are the engine that keeps your business running will.

It creates a more engaged workforce

It builds trust between the company and its staff

It reduces the number of sick days being taken

It improves staff retention

It builds office morale

It improves your corporate image

Taken from the 2017 Task Force Report on Lawyer Well being (principles which still apply today lawyer or not), the following points highlight an actual business case for doing so:

38

CORPORATE WELL-BEING - IT’S GOOD FOR CLIENTS

By investing in improving the mental health of your staff, you will improve:

Staff communication

Staff productivity Staff competence

Staff concentration

CORPORATE WELL-BEING - IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS

We all know that staff work better in an environment which is happy, friendly, and supportive. And furthermore, it actually makes good business sense.

It creates a happier and healthier workforce

It creates a more productive workforce

Based on that list, investing in mental health initiatives for your staff’s wellbeing is a bit of a no brainer!

CORPORATE WELL-BEING - IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

Aside from the fact that caring for your staff’s mental health can improve the company’s bottom line, there is also a moral obligation to do so Professionals often spend between 60 80 hours a week in the office (even if that is a home office) more time than they spend at home You are dependent on them as much as they are dependent on you Their lives and their careers matter So, support them by encouraging and actively promoting good mental health initiatives and real work life balance

FINAL THOUGHTS

An on-going and practical mental health and wellbeing strategy is the key to improving mental health in the workplace

The mental health of employees CANNOT improve without the buy in to proper mental health initiatives from companies, and the active promotion, practice, and support of good mental health practices by the Executive Team.

A fundamental change to long standing, expected and accepted behaviour in the workplace is required if staff mental health is to improve.

That’s the corporate responsibility. Protect your staff. Help your staff. Care for your staff.

All it takes is for you to be brave enough to take that first step.

B R A V I N G B O U N D A R I E S

NEXT STEPS: BRAVING NEW BOUNDARIES

The articles in this brochure have hopefully provided you with some food for thought as to how you can improve and protect the mental health and well being of yourself and your staff.

But, let’s be honest, even when we understand the importance and the necessity for change, there are usually two things that stand in our way: FEAR and BUDGET!

FEAR: Change for many of us is a frightening prospect (whether as an individual or as a corporate) It takes us from a place of certainty and puts us smack, bang into the unknown We may dearly want to create change in our lives or our corporate teams, but there is a big difference between wanting to change and being ready to make a change.

BUDGET: The other consideration is finances

For individuals, one to one coaching may feel like a costly investment, particularly if the notion of coaching is something which is new to you or if you are not used to spending money on yourself If that’s the case, don’t worry. There are alternative options available to you, aside from the one to one coaching, which will provide you with a taster of the Braving Boundaries experience.

For corporates, the usual arguments are lack of budget or lack of time. Anything that isn’t seen to bring in money, is viewed as an expense and therefore detracts from the gross profit. But, as mentioned in the articles above: “Your staff are your greatest asset. Your prized commodity. Your engine. Like a car, if you want your team to function well, you need to keep the engine in good condition” .

Investing in the mental health and well being of your staff is actually: “good for your clients, it’s good for business and it’s the right thing to do” .

So, I encourage you to take a look at the various options on offer. Perhaps start small: Try out one of the puzzle boxes as an alternative staff gift for mental health day this year.

There really is something for everyone. Whichever stage of the journey you or your team are at, Braving Boundaries has got you covered.

OUR PUZZLES SELF CARE IN A

BOX

There is something incredibly special about a jigsaw puzzle Aside from bringing back the element of play from our childhoods, puzzles give us an opportunity to unplug and escape from technology and spend some quality time alone or with loved ones

At once challenging and fun, the meditative quality of puzzles provides a great form of stress relief And so we’re delighted to share our beautiful, bespoke, double sided jigsaw puzzles with you Just the thing to help bring peace and balance into a busy life, these puzzles are the perfect gift for yourself, the family, a friend, or a colleague

THE PUZZLE BOX

Unplug

The Puzzle Box contains a beautiful, bespoke, double sided jigsaw puzzle, custom designed and created in Cape Town for Braving Boundaries.

At 180 pieces, it’s the perfect size for a busy individual: big enough to give you a stress relieving break without taking up too much of your day (or space on your table or desk).

And if you want more of a challenge, try to build it on the reverse side.

More reasons to love puzzles:

A perfect way to unplug and escape from technology.

Engage both your left brain (problem solving and logic) and right brain (creativity, intuition and imagination). Improve short term memory and visual spatial reasoning.

Bring back the element of play from your childhood.

Fun as both a solo and family activity.

The Puzzle Box also comes with a QR code for the video, “The Story Behind the Puzzle”. Puzzle building is a good analogy for our life journeys: easy in the beginning, but getting harder over time, as we search for the right pieces that will make our lives complete, like a puzzle.

If you feel as if you can’t find the pieces missing from your life, or that you have forced ill fitting pieces into place, “The Story Behind the Puzzle” could give you the answers you’ve been searching for.

from technology and take time out on a busy day with this doublesided jigsaw puzzle.

Curated with the busy person in mind, the Deluxe Gift Box offers pure stressbusting ‘me-time’ and a chance to unwind.

Jigsaw puzzle: See details on page 26.

Stress, anxiety and overwhelm are ever increasing realities in today's hustle culture. If we don’t stop, take time out and put our own needs first, our physical and mental health can suffer.

The Deluxe Gift Box is all about ‘me time’. Each element in the gift box has been chosen to help quieten your mind and tap back into your senses, your creativity and your imagination.

A5 journal and ballpoint pen: Journal your way to peace, with this beautiful hardcover Scribblz journal from The Papery. Whether you choose to use it to keep your busy life in order, or to reduce stress by releasing your emotions and thoughts onto the page, is up to you.

Aromadough: Release the heady scents of specially selected essential oils when you sink your fingers into this soft textured dough. With swirls of beautiful colours, Aromadough is touch therapy, colour therapy and aromatherapy rolled into one, for the ultimate in relaxation.

Classic Travel Lite candle by SoyLites: Made from all natural soybean oil blended with aromatherapy oils, SoyLites’ classic travel lite candle is just what you need to positively influence your mood and enhance your day

QR code for the video, “The Story Behind the Puzzle”: See details on page 26

This gift box was such a spoil! I loved it. I did the puzzle straight away as I love puzzles and it’s not often adults get a puzzle to do! You can see the effort that was put into creating this gorgeous package. I can’t recommend this enough as a fun, unique and heartfelt gift!

B I A N C A M C H A R G

I absolutely loved my gift box. My favorite is the Aromodough which I play with every day. Everything was so thoughtfully packed and wrapped. Highly recommend it as a gift for that special friend or colleague.

S O N J A K O T Z E

I received this as a gift from a dear friend. It was such a lovely gesture and so appreciated! It was beautifully wrapped and presented too. That same day I spent quality time with my husband doing the puzzle…that is a gift in itself. And now when I sit down at my desk I light the candle, write my to do list for the day in the diary with a smile on my face…plus who knew the aromadough would bring so much release! I squish it all day long!

Great product and highly recommend it for yourself or as a gift.

T I F F A N Y

CORPORATE GIFTS

A healthy and happy workforce isn’t just important for building a successful business; it’s also a moral obligation

Most professionals spend an average of 50 80 hours a week working That’s more time than they will spend at home Is it any wonder then, that stress, anxiety and overwhelm are becoming ever increasing realities in people’s lives? Left unattended, these stresses can have a significant negative impact on physical and mental health Which is as bad for your business as it is for your employees

You are dependent on your staff members as much as they are dependent on you; their lives and their careers matter

So, support them by encouraging and actively promoting good mental health initiatives and real life balance

The Puzzle Boxes and Deluxe Gift Boxes from Braving Boundaries have been curated with the busy person’s mental health and wellness in mind

If you are looking for bespoke and unique corporate gifts for your company this year, contact Braving Boundaries for bulk pricing.

GET IN TOUCH

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE ENNEAGRAM

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED:

why some people always say “yes” whenever someone asks for help, even if it inconveniences and stresses them, while others have no problem in saying “no”?

why some people are always so diplomatic, while others yell at the slightest provocation?

why praise alone works so well to motivate some people at work, while others perform better when there’s the promise of a bonus?

why it takes one person seconds to decide on a purchase, while another needs to mull it over for weeks?

The answers lie deep in our personalities, and for many, these answers will forever stay hidden But there is a powerful and effective tool to help you dig deep and understand why you do the things you do It’s called the Enneagram

WHAT IS THE ENNEAGRAM?

At its most basic, the Enneagram is a personality assessment that has nine personality types. Each type for example, Type 7 (or the Enthusiastic Visionary), or Type 1 (the Strict Perfectionist) or Type 5 (the Quiet Specialist) has its own unique strengths and challenges, and each person within that type has their own blend of these group characteristics.

We all have a dominant personality type and exhibit the traits of this type along a continuum, either showing the healthier side of our personality, or spiraling down into the more unhealthy and reactive patterns of our natures.

The power of the Enneagram lies in its subtle complexity, in its flexibility, and in its open endedness, allowing it to take into account the myriad characteristics of human personality, how these traits blend in each person, and how they change depending on circumstances.

The Enneagram goes much further than this though. Other personality assessments tend to focus on behaviour, looking at what certain personality types are likely to do. While the Enneagram does shed light on each type’s typical behaviours, it goes deeper than this, by showing what drives that behaviour.

The Enneagram is all about the WHY.

ENNEAGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS

You can’t change who you are, but there are several benefits to having a deeper understanding of yourself:

You can make the most of your strengths and become aware of the things that challenge you

You can face the hidden motivations and fears that rule your life and are holding you back in both your personal and professional life.

You can work more effectively in a team.

You can see what lies behind the decisions you make, why you see the world the way you do, where your blind spots and defence mechanisms are, what’s behind your anxieties, and what’s likely to trigger you

You can live up to your true potential and identify where you can grow and develop

"Frieda is open and full of energy and during the session she kept the whole team in a positive mood Her energetic personality made it easy to openly discuss our positive as well as negative traits and brainstorm on future improvements "

Tinkara, Slovenia

"I enjoyed the holistic approach that Frieda took from completing the assessment to fleshing out the key take outs of the report

I found Frieda to be welcoming and warm Her respectful yet honesty and forthright manner was very refreshing and helpful "

Francesca, COO, Cape Town

ENNEAGRAM FOR TEAMS

In the corporate world, instead of looking solely at behaviour, we need to look at what drives that behaviour What makes people in a team click? How can we work better together? How can we utilise each individual’s strengths (because we all have strengths)?

Having a better understanding of people what motivates them, what fears hold them back, what triggers them can improve communication within teams. It brings compassion, understanding and awareness into the workplace. It improves collaboration and helps teams to work more effectively. And it helps people deal more effectively with conflict and give feedback in more useful ways.

Braving Boundaries offers a full Enneagram Assessment that will provide powerful and valuable insight into how and why your team works the way it does, and how to improve your team dynamics.

Individual Pro Team Reports for each team member.

A Team Report combining data from all individual reports to produce a team analysis.

60 minute feedback session to analyse and discuss the reports with each individual prior to the Enneagram Team Session. This vital feedback session gives each team member the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their Enneagram type (and sub type) and discuss the report findings ahead of the Enneagram Team Session.

Enneagram Team Session to discuss the findings of the Enneagram Team Report and its applicability to the team The team session allows all team members to gain a better understanding of their colleagues; their motivations; their behavioural styles; their strengths and their challenges This awareness then provides the basis for team growth, particularly in the areas of effective communication, improved feedback and delegation, creative collaboration and skilful conflict resolution

Once the Enneagram Team Session has been completed, further team sessions can then be developed for an extra cost

PRICE: CONTACT US

"We engaged Braving Boundaries for a team assessment (Enneagram) for 6 people and had the pleasure of Frieda joining our team meeting albeit virtual for half a day. Prior to the meeting she sent us the Enneagram Assessments and spent one hour with each of us explaining the results in detail. During the team session she focused more on the team dynamics and how everyone is motivated specifically in relation to other members of the team. She also explained how our team is perceived within the company and what can be achieved to approve our standing.

I have done similar assessments before but what makes this one special is the focus on motivation and how everyone can achieve more, not only explaining the different character traits. She also asked us to do some group work and practical examples during the session so we can apply our newly gained knowledge firsthand on our team members. We had some new team members who joined during COVID which meant we have never met as a group before, but Frieda’s open and funny style made everyone feel comfortable to express themselves. As a manager I really appreciated this approach."

T E A M L E A D E R , E U R O P E A N - W I D E C O N S U L T A N C Y F I R M

CORPORATE WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

A company is made up of the sum of its people How those people feel about themselves and their professional and personal lives, will impact how they show up at work and how they interact with other people in their team In turn, this impacts the productivity of the company as a whole

Common issues which often have an impact on an individual’s corporate life include:

Personal life upheavals (e g divorce, difficult relationships, custody battles, new baby, returning to work after maternity leave, loss of a loved one, health issues)

Over-working leading to burnout or worse (e g workaholism, avoidance of personal issues, inability to set boundaries / say “no”)

Living and working abroad (e g transitioning back to a home country, missing family, the expat lifestyle, building a career in a foreign country)

Business development (e g not feeling skilled, not having the personality, not knowing where to start)

Client retention

Job security

Inter-office relationships

Meeting projected budget (e g particularly in a climate of demanding clients, high overheads and lower charge out rate ability)

Confidence crisis (e g imposter syndrome, everyone else is better than me, I don't know my value)

Juggling work and life (e g kids, friends, social life, outdoor pursuits, holidays, rest ... and work of course)

Managing a team (e.g. different personalities, lack of skills in management, problematic team members)

Top Management conflict (e.g. competition between managers and directors, bullying, lack of collaboration)

Examples of previous and current workshops and presentations created by Braving Boundaries include:

“Braving Boundaries” understanding the importance of boundaries “Knowing me; Knowing you” Understanding your behavioural style so that you can interact better with others A bespoke workshop (combined with one on one coaching) for a corporate team struggling with poor communication, gossiping and personality conflicts

A workshop on navigating the uncertainty of hybrid working “A crash course in courage”

“Incorporating a well being culture into your workplace” “Managing Your Gremlins” a workshop on building confidence and tackling limiting beliefs

“Bring Back Balance” the importance of creating a balanced life “Spotting the Signs of Burnout”

A workshop for junior lawyers on building confidence and skills around business development in the early stages of their career Assisting a corporate team to review and develop their bullying and harassment training following high turnover resulting from poor management behaviour "When Law and Life Collide" a workshop for the Association of Corporate Counsel's Annual Meeting which provided an overview on mental health in the legal sector, and some practical ways to improve mental health at a corporate and individual level Work

Whetheryourorganisationisjustbeginningtoimplementa stafftraininganddevelopmentprogrammeorisadvancedin itsefforts,BravingBoundariesiscapableofprovidingyou withtailoredandfocusedworkshopsonavarietyof topics.

with me to design a bespoke workshop / seminar to benefit you and your organisation.

ONE-TO-ONE COACHING

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE. LOVE THE LIFE YOU LIVE.

There will be times in your life when you will come to a crossroads, and know that you have a tough decision to make There has probably been a niggling feeling for a while now that a change is required, but something has been holding you back

Do you continue on the path you have been travelling? It’s familiar, comfortable, safe but is it making you happy and truly fulfilled? Is it sustainable? Is it taking you towards the life you truly want?

Or, is it time to change direction step into the unknown and trust that the risk will be worth it in the end?

THE BRAVING BOUNDARIES PROCESS

Change is never easy. It triggers underlying fears. It makes us question our competence and capabilities. It causes us to face the tough questions which we have, for so long, tried to ignore.

But, if you are at the stage where continuing with the status quo is no longer an option, then I, as a coach, can help you to navigate these uncharted waters.

You don't have to walk this journey alone.

“Frieda is a great coach! With 30+ years in law enforcement, leadership, and management, work tends to crowd out my family I worked hard to be and achieve what others wanted for me I always strove to meet the next objective, metric, or professional success. Frieda helped me see I can do what I want, still be successful, and be happy too! Her background in legal and corporate helped her relate to my problems and concerns. She was terrific at helping me reach my best self! My only regret was not finding her sooner ”

AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF

It’s not always easy spending money on yourself, particularly when you cannot see a tangible benefit. I get it. I felt the same when I first hired a coach.

But what the coaching process provides you with is confidence, clarity and an understanding of who you are and what is important in your life.

For the short term investment, you gain life long skills, capable of being applied not only to your current situation, but repeatedly in the future.

If you are looking for someone to support you through making a significant change in your life; someone who is 100% dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, then invest in a coach you trust.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN FROM COACHING?

COACHINGISANINVESTMENTINYOURSELFANDI RE

From our work together, you will emerge fully self innovative and well equipped to be able to implement the changes you desire in your life.

Amongst other things, you will: become more confident become more productive gain clarity, focus and direction in what matters most to you be able to view new opportunities and challenges from different perspectives realise you are enough feel empowered, lighter, happier believe in yourself and your decisions feel more grounded and less stressed have the skills to overcome challenges and obstacles to achieve your goals discover and leverage hidden or unknown strengths and skills feel supported, heard and understood

As a professional, I guard my time and have consistently found that coaching with Frieda is worth not only my financial investment, but also my time. I come away from each session with clarity and a plan of action. She knows the right questions to ask to help me get where I want to go.

Frieda has helped me navigate uncertain waters both personally and professionally, from career opportunities to helping me maintain a sense of equilibrium during a recent personal loss. I would highly recommend spending time with this amazing coach She will help you find balance and live the life you truly want to live.

L A U R A , M I C H I G A N , U S A

FINAL THOUGHTS

Imagine standing confidently in your own shoes and being certain of your life direction

No longer pretending to be someone you are not No longer determining your worth and value by the opinions of others No longer marching to the beat of someone else’s drum

JUST BEING YOU. CONFIDENTLY. WHOLE-HEARTEDLY. UNAPOLOGETICALLY.

If change is what you want, then this is where Braving Boundaries can help

"Doing my Enneagram test with Frieda was one of the best investments in myself that I’ve made this year. I use the insights I learned on a daily basis and it’s helping me navigate relationships more easily and also understand myself better. I’m very hard on myself, but I find with the knowledge I’ve gained, I can extend compassion to myself more readily.

I’d previously done a free online test and the experience of it versus doing one with Frieda was chalk and cheese. Frieda’s test is much more in-depth and working through the results afterwards with Frieda was very beneficial. Frieda was able to clarify aspects that I didn’t understand, and very importantly, help me to see the positive in an area that I felt was rather negative.

Frieda created a great summary of the characteristics of my type and I find myself regularly referring back to it.

If you’re keen to learn more about yourself, what motivates you, what doesn’t and how you can use these traits best, I highly recommend doing your Enneagram test with Frieda."

ABOUT BRAVING BOUNDARIES

FRIEDA LEVYCKY - THE COACH BEHIND BRAVING BOUNDARIES

Frieda is an ICF accredited coach specialising in Whole Person Coaching and Enneagram Coaching She is also a practising English lawyer and has been for nearly 20 years

As a coach, she focuses on helping people create real balance in their lives so they can shift from feeling lost, stuck and overwhelmed to leading a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life, both professionally and personally Despite having a very successful international career, Frieda knows what it’s like to lose your way in life To lose yourself

To wake up one morning and wonder: “What the heck am I doing? How did I get here?” She also knows the courage it takes to step back and look at your life and consciously decide that things have to change, even if you don’t quite know the direction in which you want to go It’s for this reason that Frieda became a coach to help others brave their own

When not working, you’ll find Frieda bending her way through a yoga class or trail running in the mountains, escorted by her three rescue dogs, Dudley, Roscoe and Charlie

BRAVING BOUNDARIES

MISSION

Braving Boundaries is a coaching and training business which offers a range of services to both individuals and corporates. Our mission is:

To help individuals shift from being lost, stuck and overwhelmed to a life with direction, purpose, good health and a large dose of fun and happiness.

To help corporates adopt more sustainable and healthy working practices through better communication, collaboration, awareness and respect.

Website: bravingboundaries.com

Instagram: @bravingboundaries

Facebook: @bravingboundaries

LinkedIn: @bravingboundaries

Find the courage to make the change

P R O F E S S I O N A L C O A C H I N G & T R A I N I N G