City of Everett holds monthly Lunch and Learn

Staff discussed the importance of considering mental health needs and concerns

Special to The Advocate

The City of Everett held its Lunch and Learn for the month of May at Everett City Hall. This month’s program, which was titled “Being Mindful of Mental Health Diversity in the Workplace,” focused on ways to build and maintain a positive workplace culture that considers the needs and concerns related to mental health. City staff were pleased to be joined by Natalie Petit, who is the executive leadership coach for Refined to Thrive Consulting. During the program, she engaged with City staff by discussing workplace mental health concerns, such as anxiety, burnout, depression, loneliness and disengagement, and stress. Petit also shared national data about mental health and wellness in the workplace.

Following sharing this information, Petit discussed some strategies on how to deal with balancing the pressures and responsibilities of a workplace while setting personal time aside for activities that can improve mental health. The discussion also included creating opportunities in the workplace for staff to feel heard and demonstrate that they are making an impact within the organization. Another strategy included practicing emotional intelligence and finding out how employees prefer interacting with managers to ensure employees are performing at their full potential.

At the conclusion of the Lunch and Learn, Petit shared some books and resources that would be helpful for staff to learn more about how to improve and maintain mental health in the workplace and in their personal lives.

Lunch and Learn is a monthly program created and moderated by the City of Everett’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department. The program is an opportunity for City staff to come together, share ideas and experiences and discuss new topics while enjoying lunch. The series is a part of the City’s commitment to engage, educate and elevate.