What Ted Lasso Can Teach Us About Mental Health in the Workplace
This article discusses the popular TV show "Ted Lasso" and its portrayal of mental health in the workplace. The show follows the story of Ted Lasso, a professional soccer coach, who faces various mental health challenges, including panic attacks and the trauma of his father's suicide. The article highlights how the show destigmatizes mental illness in a workplace setting and creates a safe environment for discussing these issues.
Jennifer Moss, an author from Waterloo, Ontario, emphasizes that people may appear happy and successful on the outside, but they may be struggling with depression, anger, and anxiety internally. Moss believes that the show accurately portrays the complexities of mental health and the importance of addressing these issues in the workplace.
The author also discusses the positive traits exhibited by Ted Lasso, such as optimism, positivity, and empathy, which are essential for HR professionals. Ted's inclusive leadership style and kindness towards everyone are highlighted as valuable qualities for creating a supportive work environment.
The importance of accountability for harassment and bullying is also addressed in the article. The show demonstrates how holding employees accountable for their actions can improve morale and productivity. Conversely, a lack of accountability can lead to stress, burnout, and turnover.
Managers need to prioritize their employees' mental health. It suggests that supervisors have a significant impact on their employees' well-being and that training supervisors on their role in influencing worker well-being can lead to positive outcomes.
The author emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment and holding employees accountable for their actions, and highlights the role of supervisors in influencing employee well-being and suggests simple gestures like thank-you notes and regular check-ins as ways to foster a culture of kindness in the workplace.