Insights into the business benefits of prioritizing nonprofit’s employee well-being. Reducing burnout and absenteeism directly impacts the bottom line, and nonprofit organizations that fail to address these concerns risk losing valuable talent. We take a look into the need for a holistic approach to mental health in the nonprofit sector. Sentari Minor is a recognized figure in the nonprofit sector. His organization, EvolvedMD.com, focuses on integrating behavioral health into primary care, enhancing access to therapy and counseling services.
Sentari stresses the significant impact managers have on employee mental health, citing a Forbes article stating that, for nearly 70% of people, a manager’s influence on their mental health rivals that of therapists or doctors. He underlines the need for managers to be intentional in supporting their teams’ well-being and fostering open communication.
The discussion goes on to address the challenges of shifting from a “workaholic” mindset, where long hours are seen as a badge of honor. Sentari encourages a shift toward setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-care, describing the “human giver syndrome” prevalent in the nonprofit sector, and how it can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. He speaks to the stigma associated with mental health and the importance of normalizing conversations around it. He encourages employees to seek help when needed and highlights that over 41% of US adults have experienced mental health challenges at some point.
Sentari adds practical advice for taking care of oneself, even in challenging environments. He talks about setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing activities that energize you, spending time with supportive people, and considering professional help, such as therapy.