Mental Health Awareness Month

By Keith Abkemeier & Jennifer Ervin

There is a common phrase that states you must pour into yourself before you can pour into others. As an organization rooted in hospitality, we know all too well how true this statement is. That is why this month The Resource Group is reflecting on the importance of self care and mental health in the workplace through encouraging our associates to care for themselves so they can provide to others. Hear from two of our associates as they share ways they 'fill their cups' while working at The Resource Group. 

What is your favorite aspect of working with The Resource Group and why?

 

"It is going to sound cliche but it really is the people. I am, of course, motivated by my job but I am more so motived by the people I get to work with. From our leadership down, you can see the passion everyone has to serve our communities and live our purpose. I think the main reason I have such amazing co-workers is our focus on The 7 Attributes. These 7 Attributes guide our attitude and perspective in the workplace, and with 'Nice' being the first attribute, you can imagine how supportive the environment is."

- Keith

"One of my favorite things is working with people of diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences to solve problems that support our end-users clinically, operationally, or financially. Within Contract Design and Sourcing, the categories we support on behalf of end-users continue to grow and evolve giving room to learn something new, grow ourselves, and work across Communities. Learning new things and building relationships are important to me personally and help me to stay engaged in my role."

- Jennifer

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, how has working for The Resource Group impacted your mental health awareness?

"There are many ways. Overall, I think The Resource Group culture cultivates an awareness of others which is in direct connection to our larger mission and purpose. One of the most prominent to me is the level of encouragement I receive from others. It is a reminder that someone sees me, not just for my work, but where I might be in my headspace. And then I turn around and use this encouragement to 'pay it forward' to someone else. Again, the culture here is just so much different than other organizations. At The Resource Group, we are truly rooted in hospitality and service and as such we take care of each other and the communities we are proud to serve."

- Keith

"The Resource Group considers associates holistically and invests in tools for us to better understand ourselves and connect with others. The Enneagram is a great example of such a tool. Through our Enneagram discussions and by embedding thoughtful introspection into our culture, I better understand what makes me tick. As an Enneagram Type One, I may be more critical of myself or sometimes focus more on my to-do list and less on recharging. This type of self-awareness is a great first step in extending grace to one another and upholding our organizational culture."

- Jennifer

Mental health practices, such as a work-life balance, can be hard to sustain in such a busy world. How have you done so while working at The Resource Group?

"I'll bring up the culture one more time. The Resource Group is amazing at reminding each of us that we are the best resource. And if we don't pour into ourselves, then we can never fully live out our shared mission and purpose. There are lots of ways organizations can go about supporting this statement but at The Resource Group I really think the most impactful practices are the small ones. For example, making PTO easy to request and take. There isn't a list of questions or any explanation required. We all have 20+ days and can take them when we want and how we want. Or the holistic offerings such as mission focused retreats, reading lists, or self-paced education which remind each of us that we are more than our jobs AND provide support to learn who that non-job part of us is. These examples are not fancy or complex but I think that is why they work. They are solutions rooted in trust and dignity."

- Keith

"One of the many things I appreciate about The Resource Group is the flexibility and the support form my leaders and team to ensure personal priorities remain just that - priorities. Leadership provides grace if a meeting needs to be missed to attend a school function or an appointment and my counterparts and team are always willing to cover something if I need to step away. This flexibility helps me show up as my truest, most present self in both my work and personal life."

- Jennifer