The last two years have been nothing short of transformative for the way we work. As remote work became the norm, most of us saw boundaries between personal and professional lives being blurred. We took on new roles, juggled responsibilities at home and at work, and upskilled to better suit the demands of an increasingly virtual world. Wherever ‘work’ demanded it, we changed.
The result? We were burnt out without even realizing it – and few people were talking about it. Interestingly, this was also when most of us sought comfort in our new, virtual communities, which offered some much-needed support during these difficult times.
It was through its World Mental Health Day survey late last year that Linkedin discovered that 55% of Indian professionals were feeling stressed out at work. They were unable to meet their needs, and, held back by the stigma associated with mental health struggles, didn’t even voice them.
The message is clear – It’s time that we change the way we talk about mental health and how it is affecting us professionally.
As the world becomes increasingly connected by conversations online, Linkedin looks to recognize the importance of building virtual communities that are safe, inclusive, and most importantly, human. The platform encourages communities where members go beyond professional updates and come together to talk with open minds about the highs and lows of their professional experiences.
Launching ‘With Open Minds’ campaign, featuring advice from experts on LinkedIn in India who are constantly exploring the value of constructive conversations around mental health. Also, how it affects our professional lives.
The campaign addresses how to approach the difficult conversations we see on LinkedIn – especially those relating to mental health. With an open mind and how this can lead to professional growth by fostering stronger relationships.
The 3-part video series opens with insights by experts Dr. Kanan Khatau, Radhika Gupta, Prabir Jha, and Simble Johnny. They stress how self-expression on LinkedIn opens the gateway for building authentic virtual communities on LinkedIn. And later extends to more fulfilling relationships with colleagues at the workplace.
Also Read: LinkedIn launches new brand campaign to inspire professionals to share everyday work conversations in Hindi
Mental health is an integral part of any human experience – and even more so in a post-Covid world. Radhika Gupta highlights the importance of having an open mind to conversations we are seeing on LinkedIn as well as having the courage to share your own story. She shares how initiating honest conversations with others opens the way for meaningful relationships, professional or otherwise.
Echoing her thoughts, the experts encourage all employees, managers, and business leaders to initiate conversations that go beyond work achievements. As Jha points out, “We are professionals… but also humans.”
While expressing vulnerability goes a long way in feeling connected to our communities in difficult times, Simble and Radhika come together to remind us of something simpler, yet just as important. Simble is an active member who initiates mental health conversations on Linkedin regularly. She marvels at how listening to others’ stories without judgment is key to building close-knit relationships.
She adds, “When someone is sharing how their professional life is getting affected by their mental health, just take a second to think about what they are going through. Because once you listen to their stories, you start to accept them as natural professional experiences.”
“When one speaks out, it creates a ripple. And on a platform like LinkedIn where everyone is connected to everyone, it can truly create waves of change,” says Dr. Kanan. Open conversations around the daily struggles of our occasionally stressful work lives are necessary to feel connected to those around us. And in turn create happier, emotionally intelligent professionals.
Meanwhile, Linkedin ensures that conversations on the social network, regardless of the topic, remain safe, inclusive, and open-minded. It aims to create a safe space to help professionals shed their inhibitions and be their authentic selves, allowing them to have softer conversations.
