Mental health priorities for employees and leaders remain steadfast at Cisco

The company is working to provide better remote care and even a dedicated day of rest.

It’s no question that mental health needs have risen with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between sheltering-in-place and the difficulties of facing an uncertain future, many have been seeking virtual therapy sessions. The Wall Street Journal reports that online therapy service Talkspace saw a recent 65 percent rise in demand, and therapy chat-based Ginger saw an 88 percent higher demand in a recent week compared to an average week last year. Businesses know that essential mental health services can curb expanding rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in employees. Bloomberg cites that in recent weeks, 60 to 70 percent of a company’s employees are struggling with their mental health, and Harvard Business Review reports that a recent survey of 1,200 U.S. employees showed that 70 percent believed the pandemic was the toughest time in their careers. With this hurdle, business leaders like Cisco are doing what they can to address the issue head-on.

A day for employees

During the length of Cisco’s work-from-home order, CEO and Chairman Chuck Robbins has hosted a weekly all-hands meeting for employees to hear from medical experts and other executives about the most up-to-date information. During one of these meetings, Chief People Officer Fran Katsoudas announced that Friday, May 22nd would be deemed “A Day for Me.” In an email, Katsoudas writes that as the intensity of the global pandemic rose, so did employee’s challenges, priorities, and their commitment to work.

“Our wellbeing always comes first,” writes Katsoudas, “Which is why we continue to focus on our people, talk about mental health, and invite experts to our Cisco Check-In sessions. Now is the time for us to try new things in support of our wellbeing — like taking a collective break.”

The People leader stressed that while employees should be proud of their recent work, they should also feel good about stepping away from that work to rest. Leaders advised the company to spend the day off with family, loved ones, or even use the day for a solo recharge.

Read more about this over at The Network.