The APA Foundation welcomed Betsy Schwartz, MSW, to the Center for Workplace Mental Health at the end of 2023. As the new Center Director, Betsy wanted to introduce herself by sharing guidance on staying mentally healthy – both in the workplace and at home – at the turn of another year.
Q: What is your advice for setting workplace resolutions for the New Year? How do you set your goals?
A: What’s important is to identify what really matters to you so you’re setting goals that you’re invested in achieving. In the workplace, this could look like learning new skills to improve your current work or thinking about your career path and determining what skills you might need for your dream job. Whether your New Year’s resolutions are workplace-oriented or not, the key is to make them specific, so that you won’t feel overwhelmed and so that you can celebrate your successes – checking things off your list and knowing that you’re ready for a new goal.
Q: Many of us use the New Year to reevaluate our relationship to work. What resolutions would you suggest to someone who wants to avoid burnout in 2024?
A: Taking time for yourself and finding joy in your work is important, especially in the age of remote work when it can be harder to create relationships with coworkers. In the New Year, make sure to deepen meaningful relationships with your coworkers, whether it happens over a Zoom call or during your weekly visit to the office. And when you set goals, talk about those goals with your coworkers! They can hold you accountable and encourage you to stay focused.
Another idea: physical space is important for workflow, so whether you have a home office or a cubicle, add something to your workspace in the New Year that makes you smile. Whether it’s a new wall calendar or just a candle you love the scent of, it’ll make you feel good about being at your desk.
Q: How can people managers take advantage of the New Year to improve their management style or their team culture?
A: If you manage a team, or even just one person, it’s important to make resolutions about your leadership style. Whether that means having more empathy or giving clearer directions or making sure your team has more opportunities to get to know each other, all those things can make a difference in your direct reports’ lives. Your resolution could be something as simple as making the effort to listen more. We’ve seen a lot of research that shows that the most critical part of someone liking their workplace is whether they like their manager. If you’re the manager, nothing is more important than being mindful of your habits in the workplace.
Q: Betsy, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
A: I’m just settling into this new position, and I am really enjoying the work. It’s a great team, and especially post-COVID, there’s such an opportunity to make a difference in the workplace. My New Year’s resolution is to enjoy this great opportunity at the APA Foundation and support our wonderful team. My other resolution is to figure out my work-life balance. I love doing yoga, so how do I make time to go to a yoga class or be with my friends while getting my work done? Making it a priority to enjoy work while also having a personal life is a challenge for everyone.
Prior to the Center for Workplace Mental Health, Betsy served at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She also served the Houston, TX area for over 20 years as CEO of Mental Health America Greater Houston. Join us in welcoming Betsy to the team!