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// EDITOR ’ S QUESTION ?
ANSELM MENDES , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – SALES , THE CONTINENTAL GROUP
T he spending on mental health initiatives is rationalised by the fact that , in any organisation and particularly in SMEs , people are the biggest assets . Decision-makers in corporate circles are increasingly subscribing to that notion . At the Continental Group , we see physical and mental health as two sides of the same coin – both equally paramount . One can liken physical and mental health to hardware and software , respectively . The outcomes are optimal only when they both work efficiently in tandem .
Stigmatised and brushed under the carpet for a long time , mental health has begun to generate mainstream attention in the last couple of years . While the discourse has not reached the level needed to raise widespread awareness , the progress thus far has been promising . Corporates aside , even employees are increasingly becoming vocal about their struggles , without letting inhibitions and stigmas get in the way . To make up for the historical lack of investments in mental wellness initiatives , corporates are now doubling down .
In the Continental Group , the long-standing support system for any issues – physical , mental , professional and personal – has enabled us to make good headway . Alongside an empathy-based environment , we have several initiatives in place .
Time-off is not just contingent on physiological health issues but psychological ones as well , so that employees can recuperate and come back as their best selves . Periodically , we bring in experts in stress management , meditation , yoga and work-life balance to conduct workshops and sessions .
Our objective is to foster a community spirit – where wellness is institutionalised . Over the years , we have succeeded in building an environment that characterises acceptance , openness and unconditional support .
In our line of work – financial , insurance , wealth management advisory – an empathydriven , non-judgemental approach is a business imperative . We hear stories of affliction on a regular basis – something that makes you inherently sensitised to mental health challenges .
Just recently , we had a client , a cancer survivor , come in and talk to our staff about her struggles and recovery . Our work revolves around empowering clients like her financially . Such uplifting conversations and motivational talks in industry platforms such as the Million Dollar Round Table ( MDRT ) continue to shape our positive approach to mental wellness . Accordingly , we are investing in fostering support systems and team cohesion and providing access to related resources . These conscious efforts are underpinned by the belief that an organisation is only as healthy as its people . �
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TIME-OFF IS
NOT JUST CONTINGENT ON PHYSIOLOGICAL HEALTH ISSUES BUT PSYCHOLOGICAL ONES AS WELL , SO THAT EMPLOYEES CAN RECUPERATE AND COME BACK AS THEIR BEST SELVES .
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