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Newsletter – May 2025

🧠 Mental Health Starts with Managers: Here’s How to Empower Them!
Welcome to the May edition of My HR Specialist!
 
May highlights an essential aspect of workplace culture: mental health. As leaders, fostering a mentally healthy environment isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a business priority.

This month, we’re focusing on how leadership can create a culture where mental well-being is part of everyday conversations, not just crisis moments. You'll learn how small shifts in leadership style can have a lasting impact and why investing in mental health 🧠 starts with those who lead others.
Managers spend more time with employees than anyone else at work, setting the tone and influencing how people feel daily. A recent study found that employees say their manager affects their mental health more than their therapist or doctor — a wake-up call for all business leaders.

While benefits, wellness programs, and HR initiatives are important, real mental health support starts through daily conversations, check-ins, and small leadership moments with our managers. 

💠Why Managers Are the Key
Managers shape the everyday experience of work; the good, the bad, and everything in between. When they lead with empathy, set clear expectations, and recognize people's efforts, teams feel valued and supported. When they’re distant, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help, employees can feel isolated — and stress and disengagement can creep in fast.

Here’s the important thing:
We’re not asking managers to become counselors or therapists. That’s not their job. What we are asking is for them to create an environment where people feel safe, heard, and respected.

👉When managers are trained to spot early signs of burnout, listen without judgment, and point people to resources, they become one of the strongest supports a company can offer.

💠The Good Intentions Gap
Most managers want to help — but many don’t know how. They’re worried about saying the wrong thing. They don’t want to cross a line. They might not even realize when someone on their team is struggling. Without some guidance and support, even the best managers can hesitate when it matters most.

👉 This is the gap we need to close: good intentions paired with practical tools.

When managers are empowered to have real conversations about workload, stress, and well-being, they can catch small issues before they grow into big ones.
 
💠How You Can Support Your Managers
You don’t need a big budget or complicated programs to make a real impact. Small, intentional actions can shift your entire workplace culture for the better. Here’s where to start:
  • Offer simple mental health awareness training. Help managers recognize early signs of stress and burnout, and give them confidence to approach sensitive conversations.
  • Encourage regular check-ins that go beyond tasks. A quick “How are you holding up?” can open a door that might otherwise stay closed.
  • Give them easy access to resources. Equip managers with an internal "cheat sheet" — EAP contacts, HR support, and simple conversation starters.
  • Lead by example. As owners and leaders, when we show that it’s okay to talk about mental health, we make it easier for everyone else to follow.
👉Remember: it’s not about fixing everything. It’s about showing up, listening, and reminding employees that they’re not alone.
 
Bringing It All Together
Mental health at work is no longer just a "nice-to-have" — it's essential. And supporting it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you invest in your managers, the people who engage with employees every day, you help build healthier, stronger teams from the inside out.

Let’s give managers what they truly need: the tools, trust, and encouragement to make a meaningful difference!

Real Leaders, Real Practices!

To bring this conversation to life, we asked three leaders to share how they personally prioritize their mental health while leading others. Their answers are honest, thoughtful, and a reminder that small, intentional practices can make a big difference.
If Mental Health had a ‘daily vitamin,’ what would yours be?
If Mental Health had a daily vitamin, mine would be Vitamin P—for Perspective. Perspective helps me step back, see the bigger picture, and remember how truly blessed I am. It grounds me in gratitude, especially during stressful or uncertain moments, and helps me lead with clarity, empathy, and resilience.

✅Laurie’s insight is a powerful reminder: sometimes the simplest tools make the biggest impact. Perspective helps leaders stay grounded, lead with empathy, and navigate stress with resilience.
How do you prioritize your mental health during a work day?

First tip is play. I keep a bag of Legos at my desk. Once I feel my brain and body are getting into a slow state, I move away, grab those Legos, and play a little bit. This just brings some joy and creativity into the day.

Next tip is walk. Not every call needs to be over Zoom, not every meeting needs to be over lunch—have walking meetings!

Last tip is check-ins. This allows space for people to say how they are doing. Having a space to check in is really important. We all need to listen to each other and see how we can support each other.

So, play, walk, and check in!

✅David’s approach to mental health is a reminder that simple, intentional actions can make a significant difference in our well-being throughout the day. By integrating small moments of play, movement, and check-ins, he creates a supportive and productive environment.

Want to hear more? Watch his full response in this short video 🎥  https://youtu.be/h01WjawmEzM
How do you prioritize your mental health while leading others?

As the head of a mental health and housing organization, I recognize that modeling wellness is not only personal—it’s also professional. I prioritize my mental health by setting clear boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and making space for reflection. I check in with myself regularly and allow time for rest, even amidst a demanding schedule.

I also find balance through healthy eating, power walks with my Boxer, Mia, and quality time with my husband, son, and daughter. I make it a point to spend time with close friends whom I deeply cherish and value, as those relationships provide joy, laughter, and emotional grounding.

Equally important, I surround myself with a strong, values-aligned team. Delegating, trusting others, and fostering open communication reduces unnecessary stress and builds a healthier, more resilient workplace culture. By prioritizing emotional wellness for myself, I’m better equipped to support those I lead—and, in turn, the communities we serve.

 
✅Charlene’s approach emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and balance in leadership. Prioritizing wellness not only helps leaders navigate their own challenges but also strengthens their ability to support those around them.
Today we celebrate the warriors of love and life. To all the Mothers who lead with strength, nurture with kindness, and inspire with grace — your impact is immeasurable, and your love, unmatched. Happy Mother's Day! 💖

 Entrenamiento de Prevención del Acoso Sexual
 
Acompáñanos a un taller esencial en español sobre la prevención del acoso sexual para supervisores en la industria de la limpieza.

Conoce tus responsabilidades legales, aprende a manejar quejas de manera efectiva y promueve un ambiente laboral más seguro y respetuoso.
 
¡Aprovecha el precio promocional y asegura tu lugar hoy!
 

A Latinas in HR Golf Experience
 
This summer, connect with fellow Latinas in HR in a fresh and energizing way. Fore the Culture is more than a golf event—it’s a chance to unwind, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate leadership in a vibrant, supportive space. Whether you're new to golf or just in it for the good vibes, you’ll leave feeling inspired.
 
Experience the perfect mix of connection and fun!
 

Last month, we were honored to join an inspiring virtual session of the RISE Entrepreneur Program, hosted by the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. A heartfelt thank you to Veronica Corona & Karla Sandoval for the kind invitation and for championing spaces where entrepreneurs can grow and thrive 🙌

Carmen had the pleasure of presenting on proper hiring practices—an essential foundation for any successful business. She was joined by the incredible Lisa Blanco Jimenez of Neumiller & Beardslee, who shared valuable insights on employer law best practices.

These powerful conversations continue to equip our community with the knowledge and tools to scale confidently and lead with purpose.

- Notably, 70% of senior-level employees reported not receiving any workplace training on addressing mental health with their teams.

Source: NAMI.org – The 2024 Workplace Mental Health Poll

 

- Only 38% of employees say their manager creates a low-stress environment, yet 65% believe a supportive manager boosts mental health.

Source: Calm Health, Voice of the Workplace Report (2024).
https://health.calm.com/2024-voice-of-the-workplace-report
 
As we wrap up this month’s discussion on Empowering Managers: The Frontline of Mental Health Support, one thing is clear—effective leadership starts with empathy, connection, and the courage to care.

As Carmen Torres emphasizes in The Smart HR Solution, nurturing is about building real relationships. When employees feel seen and supported, engagement and mental well-being improve.
Want more tips like this? 📘Get your copy of The Smart HR Solution!
🛒 ORDER NOW
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