Why is this topic becoming increasingly important? Here are the facts:

• 17.5 % more sick days: The proportion due to mental illness is increasing (17.5 % compared to 2 % 25 years ago).*

• Longer absence from work: Absences due to mental illness last 3 times as long (38.9 days compared to 13.2 days for other illnesses).*

• High costs for companies: Absences due to mental health problems cost a lot of money (approx. € 2000 per employee per year plus costs due to higher staff turnover and loss of productivity).

*Sources: www.likeminded.care, www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de

We've all been there: we need to finish something quickly before the deadline, preferably EOB, and we want it to be creative too. Doctor's appointment during the lunch break, daycare is closed again, the letter carrier rings, asap, meetings, coordination and budgets. Phew, now take a deep breath! We all know and have stress – which is also quite normal from an evolutionary point of view if it doesn't get out of hand. Then it can become unhealthy.

Resilience is the ability to deal with stress, challenges and setbacks. You can learn to strengthen it. Lead Experience Designer Melanie Weißenborn, who has also trained as an emotion coach and is interested in meditation and Buddhism in her spare time, shows us how to do this in workshops:

"For me, the topic of mental health also belongs in the workplace. I have experienced how much the open and trusting exchange alone helps to bring relief in dealing with everyday stress. According to the motto: Together we are stronger."

Melanie Weißenborn, Lead Experience Design at denkwerk

Resilient people are better able to cope with stressful situations, are more resistant to burnout and can react more creatively to new challenges. Numerous studies now show how investing in employee resilience pays off:

1. Attractiveness as an employer

2. Less sick leave

3. Higher employee loyalty



4. Higher employee satisfaction

5. A positive ROI



6. Efficiency and creativity



What does the workshop at denkwerk look like?

The workshops in small groups with up to 8 participants are a confidential "safe space". You only share as much as you are willing to. The initial focus is on a good understanding of yourself, self-observation and self-reflection as the first steps towards mental resilience. Melanie brings together psychological principles for dealing with thoughts, emotions and body symptoms with individual stressors, resources and ultimately concrete methods for coping with stress such as mindfulness, gratitude and relaxation methods. She not only provides scientifically based insights into the topic, but also enables participants to experience practical tools and methods. She moderates the exchange of ideas, which is often particularly valuable. Simply realizing that other colleagues have similar issues to deal with, such as high expectations of their own performance, fear of saying no or difficulties switching off after work, creates a feeling of connection and relaxation.

At the end, everyone goes home with a personal "stress challenge" - and thus consolidates what they have learned in the workshop.

"I thought it was great to have a safe space to talk about emotional issues. I particularly liked the impulses, the small group format and the relaxed, familiar atmosphere. At the end, we each formulated a concrete goal that can be implemented in small steps."

Workshop Participant

You don't become resilient at the push of a button. If you want to reach your goal, it takes constant reflection, practice, accepting mistakes and an open dialog with one another. Thanks to Melanie, denkwerkis can take the first important step together. More in-depth workshops are planned for the coming months. What has been learned will be refreshed and new impulses will be given. We look forward to more ideas from Melanie! ♥︎