Davao's Bold Step: Enhancing Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

Clemson University Champions Workplace Mental Health with Award Recognition

Update Recognizing Mental Health in the Workplace Clemson University has proudly earned an honorable mention for the prestigious 2025 Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health in the Workplace. This award, presented annually by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Luv U Project, recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing workplace mental health and well-being. Anna Courie, Clemson's Chief Well-being Officer, highlights that being recognized on this level underscores the university's commitment to fostering a culture of care, belonging, and thriving among its community members. The Drive Behind "Elevate Well-Being" Initiative Since the hiring of Anna Courie in 2024 as the first Chief Well-being Officer, Clemson has launched an enterprise-wide framework named “Elevate Well-Being.” This strategic approach is built around five key pillars designed to foster overall community well-being: Voice of the People: Encouraging open communication and feedback from all university employees. Culture, Connection, and Community: Establishing strong interpersonal relationships that promote a sense of community. Opportunities to Grow: Providing professional development and educational resources. Physical and Mental Health and Safety: Prioritizing the health and safety of all employees. Monitoring, Evaluating, and Research: Ensuring effective implementation through constant assessment of well-being initiatives. This initiative is complemented by the Clemson Well-Being Council, which consists of over 40 members across various academic and administrative units. Each division has appointed wellness ambassadors who act as peer connectors and culture champions to promote a supportive environment. Successful Implementation of Wellness Programs In the last year, Clemson has introduced several progressive enhancements to its well-being program. These include launching the Elevate Well-Being website, hosting a monthly blog series featuring leadership insights, providing guidance for campus leaders, and offering extensive training on mental health awareness. A pioneering program called “Struggle Well,” aimed at fostering post-traumatic growth among faculty and staff, has garnered positive results. These initiatives are indicative of a profound institutional commitment to mental health, showcasing collaboration across various departments. According to a member of the award’s review committee, the presence of a Chief Well-being Officer and strategic investments demonstrate that Clemson is prioritizing mental well-being. The Importance of Mental Health Support in the Workplace Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is crucial, especially in today's fast-paced and often stressful job environments. A recent study indicated that approximately 1 million U.S. employees miss work each day due to workplace stress. Creating supportive environments like Clemson’s not only helps reduce this number but also boosts morale, productivity, and overall employee satisfaction. By fostering a culture of mental health and well-being, organizations can experience lower turnover rates and enhanced job performance. This aligns with findings from other award recipients, such as the Phoenix Union High School District, which similarly emphasizes mental health through comprehensive wellness programs. A Bright Future for Workplace Well-Being As we look forward, the recognition Clemson has received serves as an inspiration for other institutions to reevaluate their own mental health strategies. With increased awareness and acceptance of mental health issues across workplaces, there's a unique opportunity for organizations to implement meaningful change. Whether it's a university, a corporate office, or a community organization, the focus on mental health can lead to improved employee well-being, ultimately resulting in better performance outcomes. As Anna Courie states, this recognition reflects the work done collectively by teams committed to embedding well-being into their practices—a commitment that is essential as more organizations strive to create supportive environments for their employees. Clemson University’s efforts in promoting mental health is a beacon of hope, showing that through understanding and dedication, workplaces can become nurturing spaces that empower individuals, enhancing their professional and personal well-being.