Practical Tips for Prioritizing Mental Health
RevHR: Enhanced Benefits for Life Sciences, a MassBioEdge Preferred Vendor powered by industry leaders Marsh McLennan Agency and AlphaStaff, is an HR administration outsourcing program created specifically for Massachusetts life sciences companies. RevHR fills a gap in the New England market for life sciences companies by delivering access to best-in-class employee benefits (most often with richer features at a lower cost) while streamlining a catalog of administrative HR functions. RevHR’s services include fully integrated payroll & 401K management, affordable and comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, multi-state compliance support, single sign-on HR platform, and competitive workers compensation & liability options.
When asked to describe their experience working in life sciences, most will bring up the satisfaction of helping improve lives. They will also mention the fast-paced work environment, the long hours, the tight deadlines, and the high demands. In such a high-stress environment, it’s especially important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. In honor of Mental Health Month this May, we’ve put together a few tips that can help you prioritize your well-being at work.
Practice Work/Life Balance – at Work
According to a survey published in 2022 by UKG, of 1,850 people managers, 63% responded they are thinking of quitting their jobs either due to a poor work-life balance or burnout. If you are finding it difficult to cave out time to engage in stress-releasing activities after hours, try sprinkling them in throughout your workday. Instead of taking lunch at your desk, sit outside and call a friend or family member you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Or, if you need some quiet time, use your break to read, meditate, or simply take a walk around your office parking lot or around the block if you work remotely. The key is to take some time for yourself to do something you enjoy to help you break up a tough day of hard work.
Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep a Day
Getting a full night’s sleep can help you feel replenished and more alert, making you less likely to experience burnout. One of the most important habits you can practice before going to sleep is eliminating screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime, as recommended by The National Sleep Foundation. The blue light from our phones, tablets, and TVs suppresses melatonin, making it harder for you to wind down and sleep. If you’re finding it hard to let go of your phone, try putting it in another room at night and using an alarm clock to wake up instead.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a good book, you can use a guided meditation app to wind down before going to sleep.
Create a Supportive Network
As they say, no man is an island, so don’t underestimate the value of just talking it out with another person. Developing a support group is key to maintaining your mental health. Your support group could consist of a colleague or mentor who understands the challenges and rewards of your day-to-day in life sciences or friends or family who can give you an outsider’s perspective. Whoever you choose, create a relationship where you’re receiving the support and guidance you need. It’s also important to keep in mind that professional help is available. Our RevHR clients have access to a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is available 24/7 and is equipped to provide support on any challenges you may be facing, regardless of whether they are professional or personal.
Visit the RevHR website for more in-depth information on HR outsourcing and details on co-employment.
About MassBioEdge
Through MassBioEdge, members gain access to industry-leading providers and best in class benefit plans. This is achieved by aggregating the purchasing power of the 1,600+ member companies within MassBio, allowing members to have a strong presence in the marketplace and benefit from competitive discounts, preferred terms and conditions, and premier customer service, saving them more than $250 million each year.