Global Perspectives: Cultural Approaches to Corporate Wellness and Resilience

Cultural Approaches to Corporate Wellness and Resilience

Introduction

In a world where stress is as common as morning coffee, maintaining mental wellness has become a global pursuit.   But the real challenge:  do we understand these other people or are we just transferring our own cultural bias onto them with an expectation “they fit”? 

So I was compelled to explore how different cultures approach to not only create wellness but optimise corporate performance.

*** Note – code of practice as a coach dictates some names and scenario’s must be changed ***

Background and Sources

I’ve done tech outsourcing for 20 years, mostly to India. As more and more countries outsourced, I gained exposure to not only different cultures but work practices across different corporate’s.

In my one-on-one coaching and group coaching I’m currently working with people from India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, England and the USA.

More recently, I’ve had some outstanding conversations leading to podcast production with 3 other global coaches:

-          Aditya Jhunjhunwala – Pune, India - a coach, strategic corporate advisor and entrepreneurial education guru

-          Kay Solanki – English, Perth, Australia - business coach, TEC coach, angel investor and non-Executive Director

-          Adele Hartland – Sth Africa - fellow QualityMind mentor, Corporate Conscious living Empowerment Coach

The Global Evolution of Mental Health Awareness Globally

Ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome had rudimentary understandings of mental health, often attributing mental illness to supernatural forces.

Fast forward to the 20th century, psychology and psychiatry transformed mental health into a recognized field of study. The pandemic brought all things mental health, resilience, isolation and awareness to the forefront.

Now, these tools are not only seen as treatment (the analogy of the mental fitness gym keeps you out of the mental health hospital) but as ways for corporate’s seeking the edge in their remote teams and to better manage C-level stress environments.

Summarising mental health or resilience across cultures

Eye-opening, fascinating, highlights business opportunities and explains why there are friction in some remote teams. NOTE:  broad generalisations made here from the background and collective coaching experiences.

USA:  a very mature market, people have been seeing psychologists, coaches, psychiatrists and therapists for years. They respond to multiple styles and get the ROI.The literacy is astounding and fascinating, but being a mature market it is tricky to offer innovative products. In short, the US market thinks that it knows it all. Maybe it does!

Aust/NZ: slightly less mature than the US market, perceive ourselves as “tougher”, slower to get on board, if it works, fast to become advocates. When being coached they like to make their own decisions and not be told. Nearly as comfortable with vulnerability as the US market.Initially a strong resistance to accepting help , but especially the global companies understand there is competitive advantage to be had.

India: mental health is going mainstream, but proactive mental fitness not making a huge emergence. In coaching scenarios, probably a hangover from the British colonial influence experience, they often just want to be told what to do.However, with so many people working remotely there is growing awareness and acceptance. This is also promoted by the next generation coming into the workforce who want meaning and connection.

Saudi (UAE): broadly speaking, very little exposure to mental health and wellness, particularly for males and almost like rejection stigma to the idea that someone else can help with a problem.  But incredible learners, fast results. The clients I’ve worked with here have enjoyed more one-to-one coaching as vulnerability is not celebrated. But one-to-one, the results are astounding.

Historical Cultural Influences on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Is it worth being culturally diverse in corporate mental health approaches?

You’ve got a tool kit, right? Now, imagine it’s filled with only one tool—a hammer. So every problem looks like a nail. It's the same with mental wellness. If you only stick to one way of doing things, you're going to be a bit limited, aren’t you?

By mixing up different cultural approaches, you’ve got the whole toolbox. When you start mixing in practices from around the world, you're not only getting a taste of how everyone else does it, but you're also tailoring it to what suits you best. It’s like a bespoke suit but for your brain.

Each time I coach someone from a different culture, I walk away with more tools my toolbox. It’s incredible in group coaching scenarios when we get the different cultures sharing with each other.

It's like we’re all bringing a dish to the potluck coaching session. Some might bring curry, some bring sushi, and others bring tacos. Suddenly, you’ve got a feast. It makes us all a bit stronger, a bit more connected, and let’s face it, a lot more interesting.

Interest leads to connection, better connection and engagement leads to better productivity.

Challenges and Considerations

While integrating diverse practices is beneficial, it's essential to acknowledge and respect cultural variations in mental health practices. Some things are just taboo.

In some of the more orthodox religions, this becomes problematic when they don’t want to take direction from a female and a lot of mental health and wellness coaches are female.

Additionally, reducing stigma is vital for promoting wellness and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Future trends in global mental fitness

Emerging practices and innovations, such as digital mental health tools, are gaining popularity and transforming how we approach mental fitness. The growing importance of cultural sensitivity in mental health practices highlights the need for personalized and inclusive approaches.

As we look to the future, the blend of traditional practices with modern innovations will likely lead to more holistic and effective mental fitness strategies.

It’s going to be messy and moving fast and probably going to suits small to medium-sized businesses who are more agile in implementing new programs.

Where to from here on the global mental health scale?

In a globalised economy, there’s a whole world of ways people keep their minds in shape, from ancient traditions to cutting-edge science. 

Coaches love to say  “approach this with curiosity “ Don’t be afraid to try something new. It might just be the thing that works. And if it doesn’t, what have you lost? A bit of time? You’ll still come out smarter, knowing more than you did.

Meditate like a Zen monk on Monday, do a bit of Swedish 'lagom' on Tuesday, and throw in some American-style positive thinking on Wednesday. It’s all about finding what clicks for you.

My advice?. Experiment, learn, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. It's all about understanding each other a bit better and finding new ways to keep our minds in tip-top shape. Make mental fitness not just a personal goal but a global adventure.

 (Business will boom)