work life balance Archives - Amanda Bernardo

Leading with Empathy: Supporting Mental Health Every Day

admin — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:10:58 +0000

Today, Bell Let’s Talk shines a spotlight on mental health, sparking important conversations and raising awareness. But while today serves as a powerful reminder, as leaders, we have a responsibility to make mental health a priority every day—not just on days like this.

Over the past year, I’ve embraced the life-changing role of being a first-time mom. It’s been both a joyful and challenging journey, to get here and to be here. It’s offered me new perspectives on the importance of mental well-being, especially in finding balance as a first time parent.

It’s no secret that my road to motherhood was not an easy one. But what may have been less apparent was the emotional toll this road was accompanied by. Struggling with infertility is an emotionally challenging journey that can take a profound toll on mental health. The uncertainty, repeated disappointments, and often invisible grief can leave individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and vulnerable. Each step in the process—from medical appointments to well-meaning but painful questions from others—can amplify feelings of anxiety. For many, the experience is compounded by the pressure to keep going, to remain hopeful, and to manage these emotions while navigating personal and professional responsibilities. Infertility isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s an emotional one that requires immense resilience, self-compassion, and, above all, support from those around you.

There are many reasons why someone can be struggling in silence. It may not be apparent to you or your team as they show up with a smile, keep meeting expectations and carrying on. But the truth is, most of us are experiencing some type of challenge where having the right support and environment can make all the difference. For me, even on the toughest days, the simplest gestures—a heartfelt “How are you doing?” or genuine check-ins—offered a level of support that many didn’t realize I needed.

I share my own challenges to simply highlight that mental health affects everyone and that often times, we as leaders need to actively support mental health in ways that go beyond words or resources. It’s about how we show up every day for not only ourselves but our team.

So, in an effort to help you do just that, here are some ways you can prioritize mental health for your team and organization:

1️⃣ Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing challenges without fear of judgment. A culture of care starts with open dialogue, active listening, and genuine interest in your team’s well-being.

2️⃣ Demonstrate the importance of balance by setting boundaries yourself—taking time off, leaving work on time, and respecting others’ time outside of work hours.

3️⃣ Regular one-on-ones or informal check-ins make a world of difference. A simple “How are you?” can open the door to meaningful conversations and provide an opportunity for support.

4️⃣ Whether it’s flexible hours, parental leave, or mental health days, leaders have the power to encourage the supports available and perhaps much needed pause that many may fear taking. Approve it when they do.

5️⃣ Remember that everyone is carrying something unseen. Approach your team with compassion and understanding, recognizing that mental health support is about meeting people where they are.

Today reminds us how important it is to prioritize mental health, but the real impact comes from making it part of our everyday actions.

As leaders, we have the power to set the tone, to show up for our teams, and to create workplaces that foster care, respect, and well-being.

Let’s keep the conversation going—not just today, but every day.

The post Leading with Empathy: Supporting Mental Health Every Day appeared first on Amanda Bernardo.

Finding balance on maternity leave

admin — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:51:20 +0000

Being on maternity leave is such a special time, one that goes by faster than you realize. For many, as they embark on this new chapter, disconnecting from work is the goal; for others, staying a little connected may help with their transition back.

For me, I knew I wanted a bit of both. I wanted to fully immerse myself in this new chapter of motherhood, but I also didn’t want to feel like a stranger to my team or organization. This allows me to maintain a sense of identity outside of motherhood and keeps me tethered to the professional world I love. It also helps me feel more confident about the transition back, knowing I haven’t completely stepped away from the conversations and ideas that fuel my work.

And so, I’ve shared a quick check-in here and there with my team and thought or two (or more) here on LinkedIn.

These small interactions help stretch the parts of my brain I know I’ll need when I’m back but also offer a way for me to keep learning from afar, even in small doses.

For many, completely disconnecting during maternity leave may be the right choice—and that’s okay too. Stepping away entirely can provide the space to fully focus on this new chapter, recharge, and return feeling ready to dive back in. Everyone’s approach to this time is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Ultimately, this approach works for me because it feels balanced. It allows me to honour this precious time at home while also keeping a finger on the pulse of my professional life. Whether someone chooses to disconnect entirely or stay a bit engaged, what matters is finding what feels right for you.

The post Finding balance on maternity leave appeared first on Amanda Bernardo.

It’s okay to take a break

admin — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:01:00 +0000

Breaks are not a luxury, they are essential.

Let me repeat that.

Taking breaks is essential for both our productivity and overall well-being. Work breaks play a crucial role in supporting mental health by reducing stress levels, enhancing focus and concentration, fostering creativity and problem-solving, aiding in emotional regulation, and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

These breaks provide opportunities for the mind to rest and recharge, leading to increased focus, improved concentration, and enhanced productivity. Additionally, breaks offer space for divergent thinking, sparking creativity and innovative problem-solving. They also help regulate emotions, prevent mental fatigue, and create a healthier work-life balance by prioritizing self-care and personal activities.

Embracing work breaks is a necessary practice for maintaining good mental health and acknowledging the importance of overall well-being. And yet, as much as remote work offers the flexibility to take such breaks … many of us still fail to take them. We need to break this habit … especially those in positions of leadership.

Executives are especially known for not taking breaks due to the high-pressure nature of their roles, heavy workloads, perceived expectations, fear of falling behind, and the difficulty in disconnecting from work. The demanding nature of executive positions can create a mindset that views breaks as a luxury they cannot afford, leading them to prioritize work over personal well-being.

But we must set the right example.

Encouraging a culture that values and supports breaks can contribute to the overall well-being and success of not only ourselves, but our teams and organizations too.

Remember, your mental health matters, so make time for those essential breaks! When you do, you set the example for your team members to do the same.

So, today, I encourage you to take that walk, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply close your eyes and breathe … on your break.

The post It’s okay to take a break appeared first on Amanda Bernardo.