Setting up your organization, classroom, or workplace for mental health success

Provide structure and routine

• Provide a roadmap toward collective goals. Make space for people to step away from activities and return with a full understanding of what happens during their absence.
• Give clear details on behavior expectations, policies, and assignments.
• Simplify work by using a minimal number of technological tools or complexities.
• Create regular routines for task completion.

Be flexible and understanding.

• Build flexiblity into the structure itself. Plan remote options in advance so people can reengage if they need to step away for a period of time.
• Set expectations for open communication about what happens when someone cannot complete tasks or focus.
• Be aware of and discuss larger events that may impact the community's mental health as a whole. Pre-plan for flexibility and lighter loads during times that you anticipate being challenging.

Maintain open communication.

• Host individual or small group conversations.
• Create opportunities for individualized interactions.
• Communicate in a welcoming, compassionate tone.
• Maintain consistent communication.
• Help people find the spaces to check in with each other.

Create a safe atmosphere.

• Remember that some may not feel safe speaking openly due to persistent inequities, previous experiences, or fears of repercussions.
• Set a tone of inclusion and respect.
• Create opportunities for members to engage with and get to know each other.
• Give frequent feedback and offer opportunities for improvement.
• Design your space to be as inclusive as possible.

Take time for self-care.

• The demands of campus combined with all the factors happening in the broader community and word can feel overwhelming at times. Take time for self-care to maintain your own wellness.
• Focus on healthy habits.
• Support and engage with your group and encourage them to have healthy habits.
• Share ideas with peers on how to support your community.

Advocate for systemic shifts that prioritize wellbeing.

As you work to create a healthier ecosystem around your and your peers, consider what barriers may be faced. Are there opportunities to advocate to remove those systemic barriers?