Finding Balance

Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

Negative mental and emotional health have long plagued productivity in the American workplace. This can range from decreased job performance, to disability and unemployment, to violent aggression towards coworkers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, many employees who report moderate to severe depression do not seek treatment and report higher costs of health care for other health conditions, surpassing the costs that smoking or obesity add to coverages. Intentional self-harm (suicide) is now in the top-10 leading cause of deaths in the United States based on a 2019 study.

So, what can we do to protect employees in our region? Workplaces are an ideal setting to address mental and emotional health and awareness with much of the structure in place to create a company culture of health and wellness while getting large groups of people together. Successful employers create programs or offer mental health self-assessments to remove the fear of implications on one’s job from seeking treatment. Seminars addressing anxiety and depression can allow employees to recognize signs and symptoms within themselves to seek treatment. Dedicated spaces throughout the workplace can allow employees to find a quiet location to focus on projects under tight deadlines.

For a list of Chamber members that offer health and wellness services, visit regionalchamber.biz

Intentional Self-Harm now ranks in the top10 leading causes of death in the United States

Cogratulations to Wayside Inn 1797/Larrick’s Tavern who have reopened at 7783 Main Street in Middletown. The Wayside Inn 1797 looks forward to reclaiming their place as a premier event venue flourishing in the rich history of the area. The property features 22 bedrooms, several dining halls and reading rooms, a large kitchen, outdoor seating, a tavern, and much more.