At Stryker, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that supporting their well-being, both physically and mentally, is vital for their success and happiness. That's why Stryker’s team has a dedicated employee-led group called SWELL, which stands for "Supporting Wellness, Empowerment, and Learning for Life."
SWELL's mission is to educate, support, and empower our community through daily practices that optimize both mental and physical well-being.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, throughout the month, SWELL took center stage, reminding everyone that mental health is just as important as physical health. By focusing on destigmatizing mental health and encouraging open conversations, SWELL aims to create a supportive environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.
SWELL's approach to wellness follows a holistic six-dimensional model. This model ensures that all aspects of well-being are addressed:
Physical: Recognizing the need for regular physical activity to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Emotional: Sharing best practices, encouraging new ideas, and optimizing learning contribute to emotional well-being.
Environmental: Respecting nature and our surroundings is a crucial part of fostering a balanced and harmonious life.
Social: Contributing to one's community and building strong connections with others are fundamental for overall well-being.
Spiritual: Encouraging the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, helping individuals find a sense of fulfillment.
Intellectual: Expanding knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing one's gifts with others is essential for personal growth.
Under the theme "Rising together to create positive change," SWELL organized events and initiatives that aimed to invoke vulnerability, encourage open dialogue, and promote a safe environment. These events focused on intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social wellness, which are four of the six dimensions of wellness that SWELL embraces.
The range of activities and engagements during Mental Health Awareness Month included:
Health and Safety Week: A week dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and safety practices.
Weekly communications: Ongoing communication efforts to provide valuable information and resources.
Guest speakers: Experts and individuals with lived experiences shared their insights and stories, offering inspiration and hope.
Benefit sessions: Sessions aimed at helping employees understand their Stryker benefits that provide resources for mental health management.
A platform to share stories: SWELL created a safe and anonymous space for individuals to share their personal experiences, creating a powerful impact and driving change.
Take Your Dog to Work Day: SWELL introduced Stryker Canada's first-ever Take Your Dog to Work Day, recognizing the benefits of canine companionship in reducing stress and improving overall health.
Sunrise Challenge: Participants were invited to capture and share their Sunrise Moment on social media to support The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's work in finding solutions to complex mental health issues.
Mental Health Trivia: A fun and engaging virtual trivia afternoon that raised awareness while offering participants the chance to win prizes.
At Stryker, we understand that mental health matters. Participating in Mental Health Awareness Month is just one example of our dedication to the well-being of our employees.
As we continue our journey, let us remember that we are all in this together. Take the time to check in with your family members, friends, and colleagues, offering support and a listening ear wherever possible.
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