Known as millennials, we belong to the generation born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s. We grew up in a time of rapid technological change and are known for being highly connected and informed. Despite our many positive attributes, we are often stereotyped as overly confident, entitled, and lazy. There is a misconception that our parents lacked authority in raising us and treated us more like friends than children. (I can assure you this particular stereotype was not based upon the household in which I was raised.) Unfortunately, the term “millennial” is frequently used in a negative connotation. As a millennial, I am eager to highlight how we are positively impacting the world we live and work in, particularly with regard to mental health.
Millennials have been instrumental in changing the workplace and the way mental health is viewed and addressed. Providing a greater awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health, increased focus on work-life balance, improved technology and better access to information and resources, social activism and the push for open, frequent communication, our generation has pushed forward the quality of life for many modern professionals. Millennials continue to drive a shift in the workplace culture towards a more inclusive, supportive, and mentally healthy environment.
Let’s break down the ways this generation has helped bring change to how mental health is viewed in the workplace:
In breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health, millennials and the generations who have followed them have helped drive major change in workplace culture and the world as a whole. As more and more companies recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace, we can expect to see changes continue to evolve and expand. We have all learned over these last few post-Covid years that talent acquisition is increasingly difficult in all industries. That’s likely not going to change any time soon. As a firm owner, take time to consider the ways your law firm views and addresses mental health. Venturing outside the box may be a critical step in setting your firm up for continued success. Meet with your leadership team to come up with ways your firm can cultivate a culture that promotes mental health benefits.
It’s clear that there is still much more work to be done when it comes to improving workplace culture with regards to mental health, but we’ve come a long way since bag phones! By taking vital steps today, you can ensure your law firm remains competitive by cultivating an environment that promotes positive employee wellness initiatives.