self development Archives

In self development June 15, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

From Immigrant To Millionaire: The inspiring Story Of Disney Martinez

If you have not taken a browse through Disney Martinez’s instagram FitCouple, do yourself a favour and check it out, but be warned. You will immediately be overwhelmed with the desire to know how you can achieve the incredible success, lavish lifestyle, and fulfilling family that Disney has cultivated for herself.

Disney Martinez, or as she is now known, Disney de la Concepcion, is actually a name you may have heard before. If you are a big fitness buff, you may already be one of her one million followers on Instagram who flock to her feed for inspiration and motivation. If you keep tabs on successful entrepreneurs, you may have read about her tremendous success with the company Herbalife. If you are a proponent of women’s empowerment, she may even be one of your role models. In any case, the life she has made for herself is enviable in many ways, and none of it was handed to her on a silver platter.

Born in Havana, Cuba and arriving in the United States at age 15, Disney is your classic American Dream story hero. She moved here looking to achieve greatness, and found one of her greatest assets at 16, her husband Jorge. The couple has two children: Lucas who turns 7 this year, and Jade, who turns 5. They recently purchased a gorgeous home in Miami. Of all her many achievements, Disney cites her family as the one that brings her the most pride and joy.

In the professional spectrum, Disney has made a name for herself through the building her company. As of June 11th, 2018, Disney and Jorge went into business with each other, and were noted to be globally successful in their industry. The success really shows. If you follow her on Instagram, you see it every day.

Due in part to her skills in marketing as well as word of mouth of her successful, physically fit, lavish lifestyle, Disney has amassed over one million followers on Instagram. She frequently updates her adoring fan base with workout clips, cute couple pics, and the numerous travels and activities that she and her children enjoy. She also uses this popularity as a platform for women’s empowerment, a subject that is very near and dear to her heart. You can tell from the many appreciative comments on her posts that her goal of inspiring women to be the best they can be and love themselves for their strengths is being effectively achieved.

A successful businesswoman who is incredibly fit, lives life loud and large, and has a loving, happy family is a rare sight. Disney is the American Dream personified, and her numerous successes only continue to grow as she sets her sights for the future.

In self development June 15, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Celebrating Grandmothers: The Unsung ‘Sheroes’ We Sometimes Overlook

Almost every new mum and indeed every mother has a lot to thank their grandmothers for. Without the help of grandmothers in the home, juggling a business, career, the kids and even the family would amount to nothing but a tall dream.

In many developing countries like Nigeria, grandmothers have had to move into their children’s homes to assist with childcare.

This way, many working moms no longer have to choose between their career and the family.

Grandmothers not only provide the needed childcare that young mothers need to thrive in their careers, but their emotional support and presence in the home, allow young mums to pursue their personal goals and aspirations. Now that’s a support system right there.

Beyond childcare, a 2006 World Bank article also established that grandmothers play an essential role in maternal and child nutrition, health and survival rates in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

In the article titled, ‘Grandmothers Promote Maternal and Child Health: the Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ Managers’, the World Bank described grandmothers as the managers of indigenous knowledge systems that deal with the development, care and the well-being of women and children.

The author, Dr. Judi Aubel, a community health specialist, claims that the role of grandmothers is central in advising younger women and male family members on nutrition and health matters, especially when children are still young.

According to him, it is through grandmothers that new knowledge and better health practices can be transmitted to younger mothers and the rest of society. And we couldn’t agree more with him on this.

Nonetheless, the influence and authority of grandmothers are not limited to childcare and nutrition alone.

Even in family life and marriages, couples follow the advice of their mothers and mothers-in-law as a sign of respect.

Yet they remain unsung. In commemoration of Mother’s Day, this article highlights the numerous ways grandmothers contribute to the advancement of childcare and nutrition.

Maternal health and nutrition
In Nigeria, grandmothers have been described as secondary caregivers for their grandchildren. By extension, this means that in the long run, they can influence their grandchildren’s psychological and physical health outcomes.

Childcare
With regard to childcare, the role of a grandmother is never-ending. From preparing home remedies for her sick grandchildren to caring for them, bathing the children, direct caring for mothers, assisting with domestic tasks to give mothers more time for child care, she remains the biggest support system of any and every mother.

Additionally, she also supports her daughter in general child care and upbringing of children. She also transmits religious, cultural values and traditions to her grandchildren.

Fussy eating
As a child, I spent most of my formative years with my grandmother largely because I was a picky eater. My mum told me she was tired of forcing me to eat and according to her, I was such a fussy eater. Tired of my mum’s numerous complaints about my refusal to eat, my grandmum asked that I be sent over to her. In less than a month at my granny’s place, I ‘sat’ up. She would never take no for an answer especially when it has got to do with meals.

And no, she didn’t beat or force me as my mum did. All she did was sing and pet me and in no time I would finish a plate of food. My mum couldn’t believe her ears when granny told her about my transformation.

In self development June 15, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

FG Congratulates Mo Abudu Over Netflix Deal

The Federal Government has congratulated media entrepreneur and filmmaker, Mo Abudu, over her partnership with leading global streaming service Netflix to create two original series as well as multiple Netflix-branded films.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the partnership, for on-screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s Death and The King’s Horseman and Lola
Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, adds another feather to Mo Abudu’s already well-adorned creative cap.

The minister also described the deal as a big boost for the country’s creative sector, at a time the industry is reeling from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

”Coming after Netflix’s first Nigeria original film, Lionheart, this is a great recognition of the immense creative talents that abound in Nigeria and the provision of a global platform for Nigeria storytelling,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed expressed the hope that this partnership will signal the beginning of a bigger, mutually beneficial working relationship between the streaming service and Nigeria’s Creatives.

Death and the King’s Horseman is a play by Wole Soyinka based on a real incident that took place in Nigeria during British colonial rule: the horseman of a Yoruba King was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities. In addition to the British intervention, Soyinka calls the horseman’s own conviction toward suicide into question, posing a problem that throws off the community’s balance.

It builds upon the true story on which Soyinka based the play, to focus on the character of Elesin, the King’s Horseman of the title. According to Yoruba tradition, the death of the king must be followed by the ritual death of the king’s horseman as well as the king’s dog and horse, because the horseman’s spirit is essential to helping the chief’s spirit ascend to the afterlife. Otherwise, the king’s spirit will wander the earth and bring harm to the Yoruba people. The first half of the play documents the process of this ritual; with the potent, life-loving figure Elesin living out his final day in celebration before the ritual process begins. At the last minute, the local British colonial ruler, Simon Pilkings, intervenes, the suicide being viewed as barbaric and illegal by the British authorities.

While The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is set in an enclave of modern-day Nigeria where tribal custom and witchcraft still rub up against rationality and science. Ostensibly about polygamy in old Africa, it is a far more universal story of the shifting power-play inside a marriage and sexual envy between women.

In self development June 15, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Adejoke: There’s Power When Women Stand Together

No one understands a woman like a woman! This is why we women have to stand together and stop fighting ourselves. It is often said that women are their own worst enemies, unfortunately I believe this is true.
This is an irony to me because we women have gone through and are still going through similar experiences, so you will think we would be able to identify with our shortcomings, our struggles and with each other. But no, the opposite is the case.

A woman has been abused but instead of identifying with her, sympathizing and helping her go through it, her biggest critiques are women. Women will ask her what she wore or why she was even there in the first place.
A successful woman is being celebrated, but instead of rejoicing with her and give her accolades; fellow women will say she must have slept around to be able to have all she has… especially if she’s within a certain age bracket.
A woman who’s still expecting the fruit of the womb is being persecuted by a fellow woman – sister in law or mother in law, worse still by women who may have had to wait for a child.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying no one can be corrected or that women shouldn’t be objective, I am simply saying we should identify more with our sisters. As women, we have and are still going through similar situations.
We know what it feels like to be treated like second hand simply because we are female.
Most of us have been sexually exploited and abused.

Most of us have being termed good for nothing, our achievements discarded simply because of a marital status.
Why can’t we use our struggles to come together as one instead of fighting each other?
Also I have to ask, why most women are wicked to helps, treating them like rags especially a female help.
Or why a woman uses everything within her power to destroy the home of another woman, so that she can come in?
These are some of the things I can’t just understand.

Why do women hate each other?
I personally believe it’s because we see each other as rivals and competitors, fighting for the “prize”; the man, in other to win him.

We are envious of each other even to the silliest of things, clothes, hair, shoe, bag etc.
I am NOT a SAINT! I am not exonerated of these things; I have done some of the things I am presently talking about.
But then I had to ask myself why we hate each other? Why?

In offices, in church, you will be on your own dressing according to your pocket and taste, but another woman is having sleepless nights, because she wants to outdo you in the fashion department!
The funniest part is you don’t even take notice. But just walk by, and a woman will look at you from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet so she can size you up. Whenever you show up, you are assessed.
You won’t even know you’ve made enemies who just hate you simply because you showed up!
I think that it is rather unfortunate.

I believe with the whole of my heart that there’s something powerful about women coming together. If we identify with one another, there’s no stopping what we can achieve.
In the words of Phylicia Rashad, “Anytime women come together, with a collective intention, magic happens.
It is my opinion that the devil knows the power of united women that he’s done all within his power to make us enemies.

The truth is a woman is incredibly powerful, but we don’t just know how powerful we are. No organization, church, society, can grow or be productive without women. A woman especially an educated one; builds a nation.
You’ve heard or probably even said it yourself, “I can’t be best friends with a lady” or “guys make better friends, even I too once said it.”

But I have come to realize from my own personal experience that it is near impossible or difficult to just be friends with a guy. More often than not, one party starts catching feelings. Well, that’s a topic for another day.
It is possible for women to support each other, encourage each other to be all they can be without being envious or jealous or fight over a man.

Permit me to use this example, Mary the mother of Jesus and Elizabeth her cousin.
Both women were pregnant with mighty men, but instead of Elizabeth being envious of Mary or Elizabeth saying who’s this small girl dragging pregnancy with me, Elizabeth recognized her place and recognized Mary as the mother of the Lord.

Elizabeth’s son was to prepare the way for Mary’s son; my gift may just be what you need to birth yours or to fulfil your dream.

Let’s stop this senseless silent war and see each other as channels of blessing to one another.
Dear older woman, you’ve been through what I am going through, please don’t despise me when I call for help, teach me in love using your experience. I beg you not to be envious of my youth; you can right your wrongs by not letting me make them.

Dear younger woman, please let’s slay together. There’s space for all of us.

Dear woman, I love you! You’re incredibly beautiful and powerful, please can we be friends?

About Adejoke
Adejoke was born in Zaria, Kaduna State (which she absolutely has no recollection of) and graduated from the University of Abuja with a BSc in Accounting at Gwagwalada (which she can’t believe she still lives in).
She started writing because her life was boring and had no one to talk to, so she thought, why don’t I talk with the whole world?
Her blog www.memoirsofagreatlady.com was born after she discovered a passion for writing, and that writing is therapeutic as she now lives a joyful purposeful life.
If you visit the blog, its description says, a lifestyle blog created with a purpose to impact and inspire people to live their best life (helping people to have sense) which sums up what she loves to do.
When she is not writing, she is baking (she makes the best chocolate cake) or disturbing her sister who she loves to pieces.

In self development June 15, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#MondayMotivation: 7 Important Questions To Ask Yourself When Making Difficult Career Decisions

Your 20s are an important time. We’re told the personal and professional choices you make during this decade set the foundation of your adult life. A good problem you’re likely to face is which job to take: The one that promises security or the one that promises experience? The higher-paid one or the one with fast growth opportunity.

These choices can’t be made with a simple pros and cons list. You can find yourself longing for a crystal ball that can make the decision for you. Here are seven major questions to ask yourself.

1. Does it motivate you to learn something new?

We’ve long been instructed to specialize in college degrees, career trajectories, company ladders, etc. But specializing early at the expense of cultivating experience and contextual knowledge can limit your potential and stunt your self-discovery.

A familiar, comfortable job in a young career can be insidious. If an option you’re weighing will challenge you to stretch your concept of career, your long-term professional benefit will likely outweigh the short-term risk.

2. Does it push you to learn something about yourself?

Relative to risk, there’s usually no better time for self-discovery through work than your 20s. When considering a new opportunity, give more weight to the exploration and development possibilities of the role, rather than the job title or immediate responsibilities. Your early career experiences should give you room to grow and try something new.

My intended path was within the entertainment industry. I may never have discovered my passion for healthcare, technology and analysis without an openness to explore it.

Remain open to opportunities outside your original vision of career. You may have a hidden talent or interest that’s waiting to be discovered.

3. Does it scare you, just a little?

We grow most from those moments and experiences that force us to stretch beyond our limits. Be unapologetically ambitious, even when logic and security suggest an alternate route.

4. Does it scare your friends and family, just a little more?

Naturally, those who love you most want to protect you. Because of that instinct, they may steer you towards a safe choice to limit your risk of loss or failure. Although their intentions are pure, their influence can be stifling.

If your near-and-dear are directing you away from an opportunity, consider the loving biases that they carry. Many times, the best decisions for our personal and professional growth are difficult for others to understand.

5. Does it change the way you evaluate success?

If you only measure your success by 401k balances, promotions and bonuses, you’ve mistakenly focused your attention on byproducts instead of the personal and professional experience along the way.

Give yourself opportunities to find what’s meaningful to you, and give yourself room to grow your ideas of success.

6. Will it surround you with passionate people?

Passion is contagious and powerful. Surround yourself with energy and innovation, and you’ll adopt the same vigor.

That fervent energy transforms our world every day. If you’re deliberating what’s best for you, consider the people who will teach you when you get there.

7. Does it excite you to talk about it?

Notice if you can’t stop rambling to your friends and family about the opportunity in question. It means something! Enthusiasm and buy-in is critical in an opportunity’s potential success.

Tally the number of times the opportunity organically comes to mind. Pay attention to what you’re thinking. Is it the experience? Earnings potential? Outcomes? There’s no wrong answer, but understanding your own drivers and interests will give you insight into what’s most important about your potential next step.

With every decision, embrace the privilege that you can chart your own path. But also allow that path early in your career to help shape you, too.

Credits: Cash Forshee

talentculture.com

In self development June 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

19 Ways To Practice Self-Love And Be Good To Yourself

Hey you! Did you know that you’re very special? There is no other person in this world like you. You deserve to be loved not only by those around you but by the most important person in your life — YOU. Practicing self-love can be challenging for many of us, especially in times when we face serious challenges. It’s not about being self-absorbed or narcissistic, it’s about getting in touch with ourselves, our well-being and our happiness. We practice self-love so we can push through our limiting beliefs and live a life that truly shines.

So do yourself a favor, take a deep breath, give yourself a little hug and start practicing the following:

1.Start each day by telling yourself something really positive. How well you handled a situation, how lovely you look today. Anything that will make you smile.

2.Fill your body with food and drink that nourishes it and makes it thrive.

3.Move that gorgeous body of yours every single day and learn to love the skin you’re in. You can’t hate your way into loving yourself.

4. Don’t believe everything you think. There is an inner critic inside of us trying to keep us small and safe. The downside is this also stops us from living a full life.

5. Surround yourself with people who love and encourage you. Let them remind you just how amazing you are.

6. Stop the comparisons. There is no one on this planet like you, so you cannot fairly compare yourself to someone else. The only person you should compare yourself to is you.

7. End all toxic relationships. Seriously. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life.

8. Celebrate your wins no matter how big or small. Pat yourself on the back and be proud of what you have achieved.

9. Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. It’s incredible the feeling we get when we realize we have achieved something we didn’t know or think we could do before.

10. Embrace and love the things that make you different. This is what makes you special.

11. Realize that beauty cannot be defined. It is what you see it as. Don’t let any of those Photoshopped magazines make you feel like your body isn’t perfect. Even those models don’t look like that in real life.

12. Take time out to calm your mind every day. Breathe in and out, clear your mind of your thoughts and just be.

13. Follow your passion. You know that thing that gets you so excited but scares you at the same time. The thing you really want to do but have convinced yourself it won’t work. You should go do that!

14. Be patient but persistent. Self-love is ever evolving. It’s something that needs to be practiced daily but can take a lifetime to master. So be kind and support yourself through the hard times.

15. Be mindful of what you think, feel and want. Live your life in ways that truly reflect this.

16. Treat others with love and respect. It makes us feel better about ourselves when we treat others the way we hope to be treated. That doesn’t mean everybody will always repay the favor, but that’s their problem not yours.

17. Find something to be grateful for every day. It’s inevitable that you are going to have your down days. This is fine and very human of you. It’s especially important on these days to find at least one thing you are grateful for as it helps to shift your mind and energy around what’s going on.

18. Reach out to family, friends, healers, whomever you need to help you through the tough times. You are not expected to go through them alone.

19. Forgive yourself. You know that thing you did one time (or maybe a few times) that made you feel bad, embarrassed, ashamed? It’s time to let that go. You can’t change the things you have done in the past but you can control your future. Look at it as a learning experience and believe in your ability to change.

Source: Lifehack

Pic credit: Bing

In self development June 12, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Black Doctor Becomes First To Cure Cancer In Mice

Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green just became the first person to successfully cure cancer in mice using nanoparticle technology, Black Enterprise reports.

Green was first inspired to pursue cancer treatment efforts after watching her aunt and uncle battle with the disease. Her aunt, Ora Lee, eventually lost her battle with cancer and her uncle, General Lee Smith, struggled with the side effects of chemotherapy. Seeing their experiences firsthand motivated Green to find a cure.

Her work began as an undergraduate student at Alabama A&M University where she studied physics and optics. She went on to pursue her masters in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and eventually began working at the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of Pathology.

Her new cancer treatment uses laser-activated nanoparticles that were found to successfully cure cancer within 15 days in mice. The treatment doesn’t require chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery and is a revolutionary breakthrough in the field. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded Green with a $1.1 million grant to continue her cancer treatment research.

Breakthroughs in cancer treatment are critical to ultimately curing the disease. With every new treatment, the life expectancy for cancer patients goes up. While people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis, studies still show that roughly 1600 people will die from cancer each day in 2020 in the United States.

Thankfully, because of the work that Dr. Green is doing, we are one step closer to a cure!

Thank you!

Source:Becauseofthemwecan.com

In self development June 12, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Five Style Tips To Help You Conceal Tummy Bulge

Fashion is amazing and not only can it be used to enhance, it can also be used to hide. Women have lots of areas that they do not like or do not feel comfortable showing off but thankfully, there is a style to combat every body worry.

Lots of women struggle with the battle of the bulge. You could be slim everywhere else and still have to deal with a problem tummy.

Here’s how to hide that tummy whilst giving you a chance to accentuate your favourite features be it your arms or your legs.

These 5 styles will take you from self-conscious to confident in no time.

1. Loose Tops

This is probably the first and easiest to remember. I mean, who doesn’t know that tight outfits don’t always flatter our body shapes? Next time, when you are in a shopping spree, move away from those figure-hugging tops to their loose and baggy counterparts. The material will not be stretched over your body, it will be loose, airy and most importantly, hide all the bits you don’t want people to see.

2. Empire Line

An empire-waist doesn’t suit all types of figures but when it comes to covering a big belly, it works wonders. You can find yourself an empire line mini dress, maxi dress or top and whichever one you choose, you are guaranteed a flattering silhouette which skims the bust and flares out around the tummy/hips. It draws attention towards the thinnest as well as the sexiest parts of your body. Who can argue with that?!

3. A-Line Dress

An A-line dress can hide the round tummy perfectly and is perfect for work wear or to wear to a formal occassion. Cotton a-line dresses make for cute summer dresses too.

4. Peplum Tops

One of the top styles that you should definitely choose for concealing your tummy fat is the peplum top style. The fit near the bust and the flare right near the waist line diverts the attention away from the tummy and also gives room for the waist to shine. It creates the illusion of a cinched in waist and gives you some much needed shape.

5. Upper Body Detailing

Whenever you pick a top or blouse, take a close look at its detailing. Outfits with details around the upper section of the body can play a huge role in disguising a bulging tummy. You choose ruffles or heavy embroidery at the neckline, shoulders or even on the whole front section. It adds a bit of glitz to your outfit and distracts eyes from the weakest part of your body. Double goals!

credit: pulse.ng, pinterest

In self development June 11, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Erelu Bisi Fayemi Donates N1M Empowerment Fund To Women Of Rubies

In celebration of her 57th Birthday, The First lady of Ekiti State; Erelu Bisi-Adeleye Fayemi donates N1m to Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, through her Above Whispers “A Wrapper for Women Initiative.

The aim of the donation is to support Women in dire need during this uncertain time in the World, and alleviate their pain.

The Wrapper Network which started In October 2019 was inspired by a question she asked during her speech at a Women’s conference.

According to Her Excellency;

“Those wrappers symbolize solidarity, unity, love, protection, care and so on. If we want to be blessed as women in any way, Where is your wrapper? Where is your wrapper for the poor widow who is struggling to pay the fees of her children? Where is your wrapper for your wealthy but very sad friend who is experiencing domestic violence? Where was your wrapper when a woman told you she had been raped but you asked her what she was wearing?

In addition, a lot of women need help with modest contributions that could make all the difference. That is why I decided to start The Wrapper Network, for women who need a wrapper and for women who are prepared to give wrappers to other sisters. I am flagging it off with an initiative for some women entrepreneurs to mark my birthday on June 11^th. The Wrapper Network will be able to support up to 40 women with between N50,000-N200,000 for various businesses. I hope that the sisters who will benefit can go on to bless other sisters with a wrapper when things are good for them”.

We will be disbursing the funds in the next couple of days among 100 women; from the most vulnerable to the downtrodden, we will make sure these Women get a “Wrapper” of hope from this donation,and the names of the beneficiaries will be published for accountability.

We appreciate Erelu Bisi Fayemi for her kind gesture and we will make sure the funds gets to those who truly need it.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Mentor, Encourager, Women lifter, Wrapper Giver, A woman above Whispers, an enigma of hope and purpose. We celebrate you today and always.

Esther Ijewere

Founder, Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children & Editor-In-Chief; Women of Rubies

In self development June 11, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

7 Ways Employers Can Support Their Staff’s Mental Health Remotely

Many reports and predictions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic show that there is a silent wave we must fight off–the mental health wave.

Because of the effects of the coronavirus, global-scale lockdowns, and quarantines, people have become prone to anxiety, depression, and even suicide, especially in the wake of a global recession and mass layoffs. And with 90% of minority businesses locked out of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there can be added worries and concerns among employees.

For businesses that now work remotely, it can be even more challenging to become a champion for employees’ mental health. But it doesn’t take much effort to do so. All employers need to do is follow these 10 tips to support your remote employees’ mental health.

7 Tips to Support Mental Health of Remote Employees

1. Do regular face-to-face check-ins

In this 2020 State Remote Work report, loneliness is still ranked as one of the biggest challenges that a remote worker faces in their everyday life. In the United States, loneliness is considered an epidemic– and the risks are heightened when people are discouraged from going outside amidst a global pandemic.

So one way to show remote workers you’re there for them? Doing regular non-work-related check-ins.

Use your online collaboration tools to schedule a time to meet, either one-on-one or as a group. Strike a balance between checking in with employees individually and as a team.

If you’ve never done this regularly, it may be a little awkward at first. So, ease everyone in with some virtual icebreakers to lighten the mood and get everyone out of work mode.

2. Offer added benefits and perks

Can you perhaps offer additional benefits or perks for employees during these trying times? Some employers are now considering health plans that include mental health services for employees to enjoy– and it can be a good benefit to add if you can’t hand out raises as often as before.

If changing your company health plan isn’t an option, you can give smaller, one-time perks instead. For example, help your remote team build their dream productive workspace at home by subsidizing expenses for certain office supplies or equipment.

3. Send a mental health survey

Sometimes employees can’t open up about their mental health concerns in a virtual meeting. Some might find it easier to evaluate their wellbeing if they’re sent a guided survey or form to express where they’re struggling.

A mental health survey tells you as the employer where you can support your employees more in a very specific way. Encourage employees to be very honest when answering this survey, especially if it means it will help you support them emotionally and mentally in and out of work.

4. Encourage employees to take leaves from work

Sometimes remote employees may feel they aren’t entitled to take leaves because they already work from home and have greater flexibility. But everyone needs to take a break from work, even for a few days. Encourage employees to take their paid leaves or apply for unpaid leave whenever needed.

An effective way to encourage employees to do this? Model the behavior yourself: take leaves from work and show employees that rest is an essential part of their work lives.

5. Share mental health resources in a dedicated newsletter or channel

Sometimes sharing resources like articles or videos about mental health are enough to show employees you’re thinking about their wellbeing. Regularly send new resources to help them manage stress, reduce anxiety, or get over relatable work issues like being “always on” or being afraid of taking breaks from work.

Share these in a dedicated Slack channel for mental health, so everyone knows where to find them. Or send them in a company newsletter each week.

5. Create a company exercise calendar

There are strong links that support physical exercise being one of the most effective ways to alleviate stress and boost the spirit. As a business owner, try to find ways to get everyone to stay active, even if they’re stuck at home.

One fun way to do this is creating a company exercise calendar, or scheduling different physical activities anyone can do. For example, you can schedule a weekly dance party or invite instructors for a fun company yoga session online.

6. Express gratitude often

Gratitude is one of the only things you can give away without losing anything in return. And when it comes to your employees, expressing gratitude can help boost morale and make them feel appreciated.

Work gets stressful for everybody, but you should still reward good work and employee presence with praise. Thank everyone individually for their contributions and even praise teams for jobs well done in public Slack channels or company newsletters.

7. Put up extracurriculars and team-building activities

Give employees something to look forward to each week or month with extracurriculars they can join outside work. Encourage teams to start book or film clubs, get everyone together for a team talent show, or just have a good time playing virtual games with each other.

You can even encourage ownership of these tasks by getting volunteers to manage these activities. It can be a great way to empower employees to contribute in ways outside work and really highlight their personal strengths.

8. Host or sponsor mental health seminars

Try inviting mental health coaches to come aboard one day and give intimate seminars to the company. This can be a space for your remote employees to talk to real professionals in the mental health industry about actual issues and concerns that may be bothering them.

These seminars may also benefit you, since you can see areas to support employees in more intimate or much-needed ways. The mental health industry constantly sees changes and improvements in their research and studies, and it doesn’t hurt to stay informed.

Additions

9. Empower employees to help their communities

Sometimes we can uplift ourselves when we uplift others. Inspire a sense of community and contribution within your company by starting a volunteer program or fundraising campaign, especially in causes that matter most to your employees.

For example, Diishan Imira of Mayvenn, an online platform that helps hair stylists connect and gain new clients and customers, started a #SaveTheSalon fundraising campaign.

She and her company sought to help displaced hair stylists whose incomes were severely cut because of the recent COVID-19 measures that closed down several industries, including salons, out of safety risks.

10. Put employees’ well-being first

When you take care of employees, your employees take care of business. This maxim is especially true in a remote workforce that eliminates in-person interactions.

Follow these 10 tips to help you become champions of your remote employees’ mental health, and you’ll see a happier, healthier workforce who’ll stay with you for the long haul.

Source:Blackenterprise