Thank you for well wishes and a topic / book to discussion

Hello, WPO members!

Let me begin by saying thank you so much for all your well wishes over the past few weeks. Your kindness has truly lifted my spirits! I’m happy to report that my recovery is progressing well, and if all goes according to plan, my foot will be weight-bearing by the end of February. I’m hoping to attend our next WPO meeting in person, but if not, I’ll definitely join virtually.

Ahead of our meeting, I wanted to share a book that has recently caught my attention, and it seems to be on everyone’s reading list this year – The Anxious Generation by Johnathon Haidt . This book explores the connection between technology and the mental health of Gen Z (those born after 1998), and it offers a deep dive into how the digital age is reshaping the way this generation processes emotions, interacts with others, and experiences anxiety.

From both a personal and professional perspective, reading this book gave me numerous “Aha” moments. As an employer of many individuals in this age group and a parent myself, it really made me reflect on the profound impact that social media and technology have had on their development and mental health. The research in the book suggests that technology has literally rewired how their brains function.

I’d love to engage the group in a conversation about the impact of anxiety and, often, depression has had on us as employers. I have several employees in this demographic who are on medications, in therapy, and struggling with mental health challenges. What has struck me most is the shift in expectations – employees now come to work not just with job-related concerns, but with more personal issues, and many expect us to provide support in ways that go beyond traditional workplace boundaries.

The lines between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred, and as employers, we’re faced with the challenge of navigating how much support to provide without overstepping. How do we create a healthy work environment while supporting the mental well-being of our employees, especially when personal challenges seem to follow them to the workplace?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and strategies for handling these shifts. I look forward to hearing your perspective

Thanks

Maureen