As part of Mental Health Month, our features during May and June 2023 will focus on mental health. Visit our website to find a list of resources to support your mental health initiatives.

Facing high rates of absenteeism? Or low rates of employee engagement? If so, you may need to consider how well you’re addressing the mental health needs of your employees — especially in developing different approaches for various demographics, according to Jamie Bierman, SHRM-SCP, regional market director at HR Elements, a partner of VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm.

Gen Z employees, who are just now entering the workforce, may require a significantly different mental wellness strategy than Millennials and employees nearing retirement, according to Bierman, who recently talked to attendees of a HR Nonprofit Peer Group webinar sponsored by Charitable Advisors.

As a result, human resource (HR) professionals and other workplace leaders need to consider how to strategically develop wellness programs based on the needs of various generations as well as cultural backgrounds, Bierman said.

“The workplace consists of all types of different generations and different types of people,” she said. “A mental health is not a one-size-fits-all strategy or solution.”

One of the reasons driving the need for a multi-faceted approach is that the COVID-19 pandemic further shed light on the complexities of mental wellness. Bierman said that many factors can contribute to an employee’s performance at work. For example, an employee may be facing additional stressors if they are in a caretaking role for a child or an elderly parent.

And with 19 percent of U.S. employees reporting that they are struggling with their mental health, nonprofit organizations and other business naturally will experience negative outcomes such as a decrease in employee engagement, Bierman said. Consequently, organizations will see a decrease in business profitability and overall business results, she noted.

“Having a well-being program at work is the new wellness focus that we need to have,” Bierman said. “We need to remember that work and life are not mutually exclusive. We need to help our employees thrive within their lives. If you have a really bad morning, you’re probably not going to walk into the workplace ready to do a good job.”

While diversity, equity, and inclusion have become commonplace in companies’ town halls and “About Us” sections, there’s still a word that many are shying away from — anti-racism.

According to The Center for Study of Social Policy and Racial Equity Tools, anti-racism is the active process of identifying and challenging racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes to redistribute power equitably. By omitting anti-racism from the conversation, organizations find themselves in patterns of passive awareness of equity issues without honestly confronting the reality of systemic racism, acknowledging how they contribute to it and changing their behavior to actively create an equitable society.

So maybe you’re thinking to yourself—wow, that sounds extremely challenging. And honestly, it is. Because our racist systems were built on more than 400 years of oppression, understandably, it will take time to dismantle them. However, The Indianapolis Foundation has created a tool to move you and your organization into the space of anti-racism work. It’s called the Movement of 10,000 (MVMT10K).

MVMT10K is a digital tool designed as both a website and a mobile app with the goal of educating individuals in Central Indiana and beyond about the history of racism, its present implications, and methods to make constructive change against systemic racism. It is a continuous, adaptive curriculum that invites our community to continue learning.

Kayla Knox, researcher and sociologist, serves as the platform’s project manager and an equitable initiatives officer for The Indianapolis Foundation. Along with her efforts, many of the tools The Indianapolis Foundation and its collaborative partners have used to contribute to a more equitable and anti-racist institution support the MVMT10K.

Everyone is negatively impacted by systemic racism. Deeply racialized systems are costly and depress outcomes for all populations. Challenging and changing these systems benefits us all.

The Indianapolis Foundation has announced the third round of funding awarded by the Elevation Grant Program, which is targeted to grassroots initiatives that support thriving neighborhoods. The grants are designed to support programs that are focused on crime prevention, crime reduction, and other community outreach and mobilization activities. Six grantees received a total of $796,486. Review recipients

The Mind Trust has awarded $325,000 to local public charter and innovation schools to support their programming. The grants are focused on academics, leadership and character development, arts, literacy, cultural celebrations, and social-emotional skills. See recipients

Earth Charter Indiana has announced a continuing grant from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation for its Resiliency Coordinator program. Resiliency Coordinators are resident leaders and activists for climate progress. Read more

The BBB Central Indiana’s Torch Award is accepting nominations. The award acknowledges organization that demonstrate character, culture, community, and attention to customers. Past recipients have been recognized for meeting the highest standards of ethics within their business practices and generating trust with customers and the community. Nominate by June 22

The Indiana Department of Education has launched the 2023 summer food service program. As part of the annual initiative, Indiana students under the age of 18 are eligible to receive free meals and snacks. Review more details via an interactive map

Fast Forward on June 21 from 4-7 p.m. at The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd. Fast Forward offers an immersive experience for interns and early-career individuals in Central Indiana, showcasing Indianapolis’ culture and opportunities. Presented by Life In Indy. Cost: Free. Register

Giving USA 2023: A review of trends in philanthropy for 2022 is on June 23 at noon. Discover insights and implications for how donors reacted to the economic, social, and geopolitical events that dominated the headlines in 2022. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Register

Placemaking: Natural resources on June 29 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Woodstock Club, 1301 W. 38th St. Discover the inspiring story of the White River Vision Plan, which was developed through collaborative strategies designed to increase community vibrancy and create a more prosperous region. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: $75 IPA members/$150 nonmembers. Register

Stigma and engaging African American men in mental health treatment webinar on June 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn about strategies designed to engage African Men in mental health treatment, including pre-treatment engagement strategies, creating a welcoming environment, and using stories of other African American men. Presented by Aspin. Cost: Free. Register

Run(317) is hosting a series of runs hosted throughout the city, with a nonprofit partner benefitting from a portion of proceeds from each race. Volunteers are needed to assist with packet pick up, water station, runner services, and course marshal. Vounteer

Versiti needs volunteers to serve as blood product delivery drivers, and greeters in the donation center and blood drives. Background checks are necessary for both positions. Apply

VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm Named 'Top Workplace of 2023' by The Enquirer, the firm prioritizes culture and an employee-first mentality.

United Way of Central Indiana The Impact United Dashboard which highlights the needs of the community and how United Way’s partners are working to address those challenges.  

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