BARR Aspires to Make World Mental Health Day Every Day for Our Team

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and BARR Advisory is offering associates the day off to recharge and prioritize their health and wellness. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”

“We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need,” said the World Health Organization.

At BARR, we not only recognize World Mental Health Day once a year, but we prioritize the well-being of our associates every day.

Avi Benshoshan, senior consultant and co-leader of BARR’s Mental Health Resource Group said, “From the client service perspective, audits are stressful, and when associates tend closely to their mental health, we can offer calmness and ease throughout the engagement process.”

Additionally, BARR provides a mental health wellness plan with monthly resources associates can use to stay physically and mentally healthy.

“Mental health and work are not mutually exclusive,” said Whitney Lindsey, head of people and culture. “Our goal at BARR is to create an environment of trust and well-being. We want our associates to be healthy so they can not only do their jobs effectively but feel they have balance within their personal lives.”

How BARR Associates Spend Their Time on World Mental Health Day

While BARR offers unlimited PTO to associates, we also know it can be difficult to find the time to unwind and recharge. That’s why each year on World Mental Health Day, BARR associates are encouraged to spend the day seeking out activities that are meaningful to them or simply taking time to relax.

“It’s important for us to provide a day off for associates that’s specifically dedicated to their mental health,” said Lindsey. “Taking the time to rejuvenate is just as important as getting the work done, and we want our associates to know we value their overall well-being.”

Here’s how a few of our associates plan to spend their time on World Mental Health Day:

• I’m going to schedule a massage, and I plan to sleep in and spend some quality time with our dog.
• I plan on doing some painting around the house and enjoying the cooler temps on some walks. 
• I plan to sit with a book and do some walking.
• I plan on taking my dog on a long hike somewhere in the newly fall weather. Then I’ll likely hit the golf course.
• I’m scheduling a facial, going to pilates, and spending time with the family.
• I’m going to spend as much time outdoors as possible with lots of movement activities.
• I’ll be donating blood.
• I’m taking time to visit a sick relative. I haven’t had the time to do so recently, and it will be good for the spirits to spend time with family. 

BARR’s Mental Health Resource Group + Be Well Program

Beyond World Mental Health Day, BARR offers programs and resources to associates throughout the year that encourage positive health and well-being.

Mental Health Resource Group

BARR recently created the associate-led Mental Health Resource Group (MHRG). Through the MHRG, associates can connect to share their stories, helpful resources, and overall mental health support from peers.

“The MHRG offers a space for honesty and vulnerability at the intersection of our work and personal lives,” said Megan Sajewkski, creator of BARR’s MHRG. “We really want people to feel like they aren’t alone in their mental health journeys. The moments of bonding that happen when we share our stories are not only gratifying but they also strengthen our work culture.”

“At BARR, we often work in teams,” said Benshoshan. “Sharing about our lives—our own mental health challenges and accomplishments—deepens trust within our teams, which then allows us to work more effectively together.”

The MHRG leads initiatives like monthly virtual meet-ups and a weekly meditation session that associates can log into no matter where they live. Additionally, each month, associates can choose to pair with a mental health buddy who provides encouragement and support.

“I think our mental health group is innovative and fun. We’ve introduced a variety of activities, techniques, and tips that are beneficial for both our workplace productivity and overall well being. It’s just the best!” said Ian McGee, senior consultant, and co-leader of the MHRG.

Be Well Program

BARR’s Be Well program highlights initiatives and champions team members around the idea of health and wellness. Associates interact weekly through our Be Well Wednesday messaging, where every Wednesday, a new message thread is shared with tips on topics like hydration, sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, and of course, mental health.

Through the Be Well Program, associates have even gathered for virtual yoga and breathwork sessions and completed health challenges, like our virtual 5K and 25 Miles for Mental Health Challenge.

McGee added, “BARR employs a surprising number of consultants that are also yoga instructors, meditation enthusiasts, and overall active people. So our wealth of internal wellness talent really enables us to do some impactful exercises together.”

Interested in learning more about BARR’s culture and opportunities? Take a look at our careers page.