ECD Chair’s June 2024 Message
June 2024
Dear PRSA ECD Members:
As we enter June, marking the year’s halfway point, we embrace the dual celebrations of Pride Month and Professional Wellness Month. Though distinct, these observances share a common thread: advocating for inclusive environments that honor diversity and foster well-being.
Pride Month: Embracing and Supporting Diversity
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is an annual celebration recognizing the significant contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. This observance is not only a time to celebrate but also a moment to reinforce our commitment to being allies. Originating with the first Pride march in New York City on June 28, 1970, the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, Pride Month serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognition faced by LGBTQ+ communities. It is a period for celebrating diversity, honoring history, and continuing to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting world.
PRSA is dedicated to providing professional development and educational resources that acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community within the communications profession and beyond. Its Pride Month page features webinars, toolkits, and articles. Additionally, you can register for the “Pride, Prejudice, and PR” webinar, co-sponsored by PRSA and the Museum of Public Relations, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 6.
Professional Wellness Month: Enhancing Work Life Through Health
June also marks Professional Wellness Month, reminding us of health’s crucial role in our professional lives. Chronic illnesses, financial stress, and workplace pressures can severely impact productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism. According to the CDC, productivity losses linked to absenteeism cost U.S. employers $225.8 billion annually or approximately $1,685 per employee. Moreover, the 2023 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association noted that 77% of workers experienced work-related stress in the month before the survey.
To address these challenges, here are strategies to enhance wellness cultures at your workplaces:
- Regular Check-Ins (Virtual or In-Person): Encourage managers to conduct regular one-on-one calls with their team members to discuss work and check their well-being.
- Wellness Programs: Implement online or in-person wellness programs, including fitness classes, meditation sessions, and nutrition and mental health workshops.
- Ergonomic Office Support: Provide stipends or reimbursements for office equipment that supports a healthy work setup.
- Flexible Working Hours: Offer flexible work hours to help employees manage their time better, reducing stress and boosting productivity.
- Digital Detox Encouragements: Promote periods when employees can disconnect from work-related digital communications.
- Mental Health Resources: Provide access to mental health resources, including counseling services and stress management apps.
- Social Virtual Gatherings (For Remote Workplaces): Organize regular virtual social events to foster a sense of community and combat the isolation of remote work.
Midyear Check-Ins: Keeping Us on Track
PRSA ECD conducts midyear check-ins with each board member as part of its ongoing professional and personal growth commitment. These discussions are crucial for reviewing goals, conducting mental health checks, and adjusting strategies to ensure everyone has the support needed to succeed in the year’s second half.
I encourage each chapter board to consider implementing a similar midyear check-in system. Use these discussions as a springboard for continuous improvement.
As we progress, let’s recommit to fostering an environment where every member feels valued and supported. Together, we will continue to make strides in creating an organization that celebrates diversity and actively promotes mental health and wellness.
Warm regards,
Jennifer L. Kramer, APR
2024 ECD Board Chair
