For Managers and Leaders
Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Lead and Learn Programme II
Photo: ©UN Photo/Mark Garten
Introduction
Are you a manager or leader? Then it starts with you. You play a vital role in creating a safe and healthy working environment.
We encourage you to read on, get inspired and continue taking action for a working environment that is conducive to good mental health; where support is available when it is needed; and where everyone can thrive.
Background and Overview
UN personnel will be facing many challenges in the foreseeable future. Equipping managers and leaders to recognise early signs of poor mental health, prevent mental health risks, break the stigma, and foster an open and supportive environment is paramount.
This is why, the team rolling out the UN System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond (¡°Strategy¡±), with the support of an inter-agency Working Group and the endorsement of the Strategy¡¯s Implementation Board, created additional learning materials (Lead & Learn Phase 2 materials). These materials build on the resources developed during the Phase 1 of the Lead & Learn initiative, which included an online learning program, factsheets, and podcasts.
The following Lead & Learn Phase 2 materials are in line with the Strategy and make learning easy and accessible. These bite-size materials can be used on their own or included into other learning resources on mental health and well-being in the workplace. UN organizations can use them on this website or download and integrate them into their own existing learning pathways.
Lead & Learn Phase 2 Materials Unpacked
The Lead & Learn Phase 2 materials follow a three-step model called ¡®ABC¡¯, which stands for: Act, Be inspired, and Converse.
Act
10-to-go, 10-minute guides
Ten concise, solution-focused guides that managers and leaders can apply straightway.
Each guide is focused on a specific topic, such as: supporting a team member; taking care of your mental health; workload and work pace.
And each guide can be read in 10 minutes. This means that managers and leaders can have a quick and good grasp of the respective topic and put it in practice straightaway.
Be inspired
Mental Health testimonial videos
These peer-to-peer conversational videos illustrate how managers and leaders across the UN system and in a wide range of locations are already implementing the Strategy in their workplaces.
Implementing the Strategy successfully is possible. It is already being done by other managers and leaders like you.
Converse
Talking toolkit: 5-minute conversational guides
Another concise, solution- focused toolkit that mangers and leaders can apply straightway.
The toolkit covers ten topics related to mental health and well-being in the workplace such as: handling difficult conversations; maintaining boundaries; and self-care.
Each topic includes a brief business case and starter questions that managers and leaders can use to kick off discussions on the respective topic with their teams.
Be Inspired: Eve Crowley (Deputy Regional Rep for LAC & Representative to Chile, FAO)
This inspirational video is from a as part of the second phase of the Lead & Learn project developed by The UN Workplace Mental Health Strategy team.
Strategy and Other Resources:
- United Nations System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond
Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian | Spanish - Lead & Learn Phase 1 materials
- Get Help: Accessing an internal UN Staff/Stress Counsellor