Travelers introduces new Forces at Work initiative

The workplace environment has seen significant changes between the constant evolution of technology, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, and the impact of the pandemic, all of which have affected how teams work and created different stressors for companies and their employees.

Navigating today's workplace

To help their leadership teams, employees and customers navigate some of these new workplace norms, the Travelers Institute recently announced a new initiative called Forces at Work. Joan Woodward, president of the Travelers Institute discusses the shifting dynamics of the modern workplace and the importance of focusing on our mental well-being in the latest edition of the DigIn podcast.

Woodward details that Travelers will be holding in-person events and webinars across the country focused on five key workplace areas affected by change: The labor market and demographic shifts; leadership and management and effective strategies in times of rapid change; the role of talent development, especially across the generations; the importance of mental health, stress management and holistic employee care; and risk management strategies to help protect employees and businesses.

Fostering a caring environment

The program also provides strategies to address these factors, and Woodward says open communication is the first step. "Foster that open communication about mental health, normalize those conversations about stress, burnout and seeking out help. Let your colleagues know that it's okay not to be okay…There should not be a stigma around mental health."

Another approach includes active listening and creating a safe space for employees to express their concerns. Woodward also advises learning to recognize the signs of distress. "So, train your managers to recognize common signs of mental health struggles such as changes in mood, productivity, or behavior."

She stresses the importance of regular check-ins with team members with a focus on employees' physical well-being as well as their workload and goals. And lastly, she validates the importance of managers leading by example. The full podcast can be found here.