We Are
NEOne
The We Are NEOne Pledge encourages organizations, big and small, formal or informal,
to explore their role in building social connectedness opportunities
and well-being in their practices.
Take The We Are NEOne Pledge
We Are NEOne Pledge
We Pledge To:
Understand our role in promoting mental well-being.
People often can’t leave work at work—mentally, emotionally, or physically. Similarly, we can’t expect people to leave home at home. As an organization, you can:
- Have organizational leadership provide recognition and support to staff or members
- Model healthy working relationships and schedules
- Encourage staff to take their breaks and eat lunch away from their desk
- Foster connection among staff, members, and customers
- Create a safe and consistent environment where people know what to expect
Be an open environment for connection and engagement.
The beauty in humanity is that we are all so similar, and yet so different. We have so much that we can learn from one another if we give ourselves the opportunity to do so. How can your organization bring people together for real interaction? Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Hold in-person meetings
- Encourage people to eat together
- Build connection time into meeting agendas, especially virtual meetings
- Build individual voice and input into decision making and planning
- Encourage peer engagement activities
- Ask thoughtful questions to get conversation going
- Be curious about others, ask questions, and share about yourself
Provide mental well-being education or training for our organization.
Create educational opportunities to learn about mental well-being, mental illness, and how to support each other. Check out the following resources:
- Mental Health First Aid (8 hours) – local trainers available
- Mental Health Essentials (90 minutes) – local trainers available
- The Kim Foundation resources
- The Wellbeing Partners resources
Review and update our organization’s practices with a focus on inclusion and well-being.
Any organization, big or small, formal or informal, has its own routines, practices, and norms for interactions. Looking at your organization and how people come together, interact, and are supported can be an important part of creating change. Here are some things to consider:
- Are there improvements you can implement to make your organizational practices more inclusive?
- Do all members or staff have opportunities to provide input?
- What are ways that new members or staff are oriented to your organization?
- How do members or staff interact? Electronically, virtually, in-person?
- What words and language are used in communication?
Mental Health America’s Workplace Mental Health Report has lots of strategies for improving organizational culture and workplace wellness.
American Psychological Association also has recommendations on developing programs to support mental health.
Additionally, you can find resources on offering a recovery-friendly workplace, like Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest’s Guide for Employers or The Wellbeing Partners’ Workplace Mental Health Toolkit.
Remember, cost can be a barrier to seeking help, even with commercial health coverage. If your organization provides insurance benefits, check to see if it provides coverage for mental health visits at a similar rate as physical health. If not, is there a plan option available to your organization that does?
Offer the I Am NEOne pledge to individuals.
Encourage all staff, members, or people you serve to take the I Am NEOne pledge.
Continue to find ways to enhance connectedness in our organization.
This isn’t a one-shot opportunity. For real change to happen, it needs to happen continuously and with intention. NEOne will continue to update ideas for engagement, connection, and mental well-being. We are also available for conversations to help support your organization. Reach out!
