Is Your Organization Designed for Mental Health?

Old-school expectations to "power through" work will backfire. Human-centered organizations are designed with mental health in mind because it increases performance.

My favorite quote lately is from Parneet Pal, in a fireside chat with PeopleTech Partners: "We can't outperform our biology." Companies that grasp this will outperform those that don't.

A few things to design into your organization:

• Move every hour. Microbreaks improve cognitive processing, resulting in faster and better problem solving.
• Get outside at least once. Sunlight and trees improve mood and memory and reduce fatigue.
• Take a real lunch break. Mindful eating isn't time away from work; it's an investment in your ability to perform.
• Spend 30 minutes on a "work date" getting to know members of your team. Trust leads to more effective collaboration.
• Eat whole foods and avoid processed ones.
• Go to bed without a screen and sleep eight hours.

Mental health is not a benefit; it's an essential component of a high-performing organization.

With thanks to Jen Fisher, Tess Bredesen, Parneet Pal, Breakthru, and Jessica Kriegel for their work on human-centered workplaces.

First published on LinkedIn.