Dear Colleagues. At CEMEX, the wellbeing of our people is our priority as an organisation and is the driving force behind everything we do.
I take the opportunity to reinforce this message in the context of the World Mental Health Day, on 10th October, which this year arrives at a time when our lives have significantly changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the UN calls for an investment in mental health initiatives as the need and relevance for this support increases.
Throughout this unprecedented year, mental health and wellbeing are being strained due to the many difficult circumstances we are facing; COVID-19, of course, but we also have colleagues living through wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural catastrophes. Many of us are experiencing anxiety due to increased risk of isolation due to social distancing, excess responsibilities from homeschooling, caring for our elderly family members, to name a few.
As recognised by the UN, our mental health requires acknowledgment and attention, and we can all do something about it for our teams, our families and ourselves. For example, mental health is improved by finding spaces through the day and through the year to reflect, relax, connect and disconnect. Working remotely has blurred the boundaries of home and office, and we must consciously create boundaries to ensure we practice the right to disconnect. Some ideas include:
Use your vacation time, even if it means a “stay-cation”, working in the garden or walking in the neighbourhood. Time off allows for decompression and supports family connections.
Set an end of the day alarm and pay attention to it. You, your family, and your team will appreciate it.
A healthy mind lives in a healthy body; take time every day to exercise, meditate or just relax.
I also suggest you visit CEMEX University for content on Wellbeing & Resilience and maybe go back to our Working Remotely pathway for ideas on how to best manage remote working.
Take good care of yourselves and your teams. You are this company’s most valued asset.
Saludos,
Alberto