Vena exemplifies dedication to mental health awareness and to fostering a workplace where well-being is a shared commitment
This October, Vena’s Mental Health employee-run resource group is once again devoting the entire month to promoting mental health awareness and building a supportive environment at work.
“Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in October is not just a month-long endeavor; it's a reflection of our organization's ongoing commitment to the well-being of our employees and to fostering a healthier and more productive workforce. It's a reminder that mental health is not a taboo topic, but a vital aspect of our lives that deserves attention, understanding and support,” says Jean Goldsmith, Mental Health Co-chair and Senior Director, Learning & Development at Vena.
This is the third year the employee-run resource group (we call them Vena resource groups—VRGs—in our organization) is dedicating a month-long campaign to spreading awareness about mental health and addressing and overcoming stigma around mental illness.
"Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in October is not just a month-long endeavor; it's a reflection of our organization's ongoing commitment to the well-being of our employees.”
—Jean Goldsmith
Mental Health Co-chair and Senior Director,
Learning & Development at Vena
Breaking down the barriers to mental health conversations in the workplace is an essential step toward building a workplace where every employee can flourish both personally and professionally.
To create this environment where employees feel safe opening up about their mental health, Vena champions a culture of inclusivity, empathy, understanding and support, and stands behind the initiatives of the Mental Health VRG. These include mental health awareness training, destigmatizing messaging, access to self-care resources and tools and the establishment of space spaces for those seeking help.
“When employees know that their well-being is valued, they are more likely to seek assistance when needed. This leads to increased overall job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and a more resilient, thriving workforce,” says Greg Jones, Mental Health Co-chair and Director, Facilities at Vena.
“When employees know that their well-being is valued, they are more likely to seek assistance when needed.”
—Greg Jones
Mental Health Co-chair and
Director, Facilities at Vena 
World Mental Health Day
The month-long celebrations are in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 1–7) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). Through the many activities planned, The Mental Health VRG hopes to emphasize how important it is to prioritize your well-being and to make a commitment to nurture your body, mind and soul—inside and outside of work—on an ongoing basis.
Some of the activities Vena is organizing for its employees throughout the month include:
- A 30-Day Mental Health Challenge
- Well-Being Mondays, where employees will be guided with activities and tips to start their weeks off with a healthy state of mind.
- Meditation Wednesdays, Massage Days and Yoga Fridays
- Book Club Discussions, featuring books on health and well-being
- Tips for Talking About Mental Health
- Eating Well for Mental Health
- A Collaboration with Vena’s Network for Women+ to highlight Women’s Mental Health Awareness
- A Cuddle Fest – Bring Your Pet to Work
- Third Annual Comedy Show (an in-person event this year at the Vena Office)
Dedicating a month to mental health awareness at work transforms silence into understanding, stigma into empathy and struggle into solidarity—something the Mental Health VRG will continue to advocate throughout the entire year.
“We want to ensure that we are creating spaces at Vena where anxiety and stress are unwelcome guests, and where mental health and well-being are cherished companions. With the right tools and support in place, we will continue to transform our working environment into a healthy space where innovation and fulfillment will thrive,” says Jean.
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