listen to this articleThe Rochester-based benefits and wellness consulting firm uses international programs to help clients improve the mental and emotional well-being of their employees.
Smola Consulting offers clients a program called The Lift Project, which brings together science-based strategies from the fields of neuroscience, positive psychology, and lifestyle medicine.
The Mental Health Self-Management Program was created by Darren Morton, an author, educator, and researcher based in Australia. The Lift project is used by participants all over the world.
Rick Amundson, Smola’s wellness consultant, said the lessons are backed by science but delivered in a fun and doable way. Topics he will appear up to 10 times in 15 minute lessons.
These are simple, common sense concepts that people don’t always pay attention to, and include lessons about how food affects mood, the benefits of exercise, and the importance of getting outside in nature. He said that.
Studies have shown that this program significantly reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and improves positive traits of mental health such as energy and life satisfaction.
Amandson said programs like Project Lift can positively impact company culture, boost morale, increase productivity and increase employee retention.
“Employers could reap significant benefits if they choose to implement this program,” he said.
Ahmanson, a former superintendent, said workplace health and wellness was a top priority before the COVID-19 outbreak, but the pandemic has made it even more of a priority.
Dan Justice, a fellow health consultant at Smola, agreed that the pandemic is a wake-up call of sorts when it comes to mental health and wellness.
Justice said that “people have begun to recognize the importance of their health and well-being in a way never seen before,” with mental and emotional well-being now a top concern among employers and their employees. He added that it was a matter of fact.
Mr. Morton praised Mr. Ahmanson and Mr. Justice for their work on the lift project, saying: R.B.J. They found that they not only used the program to help their clients, but also innovated the program to best serve their clients’ needs.
Morton believes the success of the Lift Project is because it takes a positive approach to mental health and eliminates the stigma around the subject. She also focuses on education, explaining why something works rather than simply telling participants what to do.
Morton said that because a person’s health affects multiple factors, including work performance, companies are paying more attention to health and providing the necessary support.
“Workplaces have a critical role to play in turning this epidemic around,” he said.
Smola works with for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations on health and wellness initiatives, but its largest customer base is school districts.
The company recently worked on elevator projects with 41 area school districts. It was presented to the FLASHP (Finger Lakes Area School Health Plan) and SAS (Steuben Area Schools) communities during October 16th.th and January 5thth.
The 10 lessons are self-directed and delivered over 7 weeks, with bonus lessons offered in weeks 2, 6, and 7. After completing the course, all lessons were available for an additional 5 weeks.
More than 3,300 people, including school staff and their families, participated in the program.
After completing the program, participants were asked about its effectiveness. As a result, we found the following:
• 84% reported improved mental health and well-being.
• 93% said they gained skills to support their mental health and wellbeing during difficult times.
• 81% said it had a positive long-term impact on their health.
• 93% would recommend the Lift project to a friend.
Amandson said some recent additions to the district have used what they learned from the lift project to collaborate on initiatives focused on community improvement.
For example, one group worked on trail restoration, while another created a Frisbee golf course.
Amanson noted that the impact of lift projects can be shared by participants with others, adding that the lessons often have a lasting impact.
“It’s like reading a good book,” he said. “It’s hard to get off.”
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