According to a 2023 survey by the Workforce Institute at UKG, managers influence people’s mental health just as much as their spouses (both at 69%). In fact, they have a greater impact than even doctors (51%) or therapists (41%). 

 

But what do these manager-employee statistics have to do with the mental health of children? Hang on tight, we’ll break it down to you soon. 

 

UNICEF’s Mental Health Webinar

 

UNICEF recently unrolled their plans for this year’s mental health awareness and shared their efforts with us donors through a webinar session. The webinar dissected topics on the importance of mental health in children and how a caregiver’s mental health affects the youth’s well-being. They also discussed examples of how businesses adapt their management plans to care for their caregiver’s mental health. 

 

(Kampus Production/Pexels)

 

The Ripple Effect 

 

The connection between a manager at work and a child is linked through a ripple effect. When businesses prioritise their employees’ mental health, especially for those who are caregivers, it creates a supportive environment. Caregivers who feel mentally healthy and supported at work are better equipped to provide stability and care for their children’s needs at home. This leads to a positive ripple effect, where a healthy workplace contributes to a healthier home environment and, ultimately, a child's emotional and psychological development.

 

A stable foundation of emotional well-being is vital for children’s and youth’s development. It allows them to form meaningful relationships, learn and grow. But a child cannot grow well in an environment that is detrimental to their emotional state.For example, a kid living with parents with mental health conditions or those experiencing significant stress can develop emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges. They might exhibit aggression, attachment problems, poor academic performance, increased risk of anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, acting out, and the list goes on. 

 

(Katemangostar,Master1305/Freepik, Caleb Woods/Unsplash)

 

To navigate away from these situations, caregivers must provide their children with a mentally healthy and safe environment for their upbringing. One of the ways to do that is by having a non-toxic and supportive workplace for caregivers. 

 

The Role Of Businesses 

 

To give context, the demanding nature of workplaces often affects caregivers negatively, forcing them to juggle their professional responsibilities with caregiving duties. This can lead to stress, fatigue and burnout, which in turn impact their ability to provide a nurturing environment for their children.

 

To break this cycle, businesses and managers must adopt policies that help alleviate their employee’s mental load. The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, formed by UNICEF in 2022, suggests ways companies can better support caregivers, including:

 

- Flexible work arrangements and remote working options

- Employee assistance programmes and mental health resources

- Mentoring and peer support networks

- Managerial support and empowerment via effective training

- Additional business practices that support caregivers’ mental health

 

Additionally, government policies like paid parental leaves, accessible childcare, breastfeeding accommodations and financial assistance for families can also be adopted by businesses to further support caregivers. 

 

For a more detailed view of the suggestions, read the Practical Guide for Businesses' Influence on Mental Health here. 

 

Trading and Mental Health 

 

Mental health is a universal concern. It impacts not only the youth and caregivers but also professionals across various industries, including the financial and trading sectors. 

 

(Tonodiaz/Freepik)

 

Similar to how a caregiver’s mental health directly influences the well-being of a child, a trader’s mental health significantly affects their performance. The high-pressure environment of financial markets can lead to stress, burnout, and poor decision-making. Stress and anxiety can cloud judgement, causing traders to make impulsive decisions and suffer financial losses. 

 

At WeTrade, we know that maintaining mental resilience is crucial for both personal well-being and trading success. Just as businesses can foster mental wellness for caregivers, we recognise the importance of supporting our traders’ mental health to help them make informed, and rational decisions in the volatile markets. 

 

WeTrade Cares About Mental Health

 

At WeTrade, we understand that mental health is essential for success in both life and work. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports emotional well-being and resilience. 

 

While we're constantly improving our internal initiatives, we believe that fostering a supportive culture is essential for our employees and traders to excel in a demanding industry. We want to ensure everyone has the tools they need to perform at their best.

 

(Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels)

 

Our support for UNICEF’s mental health initiatives reflects our belief in nurturing the well-being of children to build a better future. By contributing to these efforts, we’re helping address the root causes that affect children's development, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility and creating a positive impact beyond finance.

 

WeTrade believes that investing in mental health today paves the way for a better tomorrow—not only for our traders and employees but also for the next generation.