Building a supportive space: The power of kindness and compassion

At Englobe, our commitment to care extends far beyond our projects and services—it reaches into the lives of our team members and the communities we are part of. In observance of Canadian Mental Health Week, we turn our focus towards a matter that resonates deeply within our Englobe family—how kindness and compassion play a crucial role in supporting mental health, particularly for those dealing with chronic conditions.

Invisible challenges, visible support

Chronic conditions often carry with them the burden of being "invisible." Symptoms might not be clear, which can lead to misunderstandings or underestimations of the true impact they have on an individual's life. This invisibility can make it difficult for others to recognize when someone is struggling and in need of support.

Recognizing the need for support requires attentiveness and a willingness to listen. It starts with acknowledging that just because you can't see a problem, doesn't mean it isn't there. Someone may need support if they exhibit changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social interactions, demonstrating increased fatigue, or mentioning ongoing pain or discomfort. They might also show signs of emotional distress, like heightened anxiety or a lingering sense of sadness.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with a team member who has navigated the complexities of living with a chronic illness while also caring for a loved one facing similar challenges. Their story is one of resilience, understanding, and the power of a supportive community.

Kindness and compassion at work

Living with a chronic condition, or caring for someone who does, introduces a set of unique challenges that effect every aspect of life. These challenges often extend beyond the physical symptoms, impacting mental well-being and emotional health. The importance of empathy—in both personal and professional settings—cannot be overstated. It's about truly hearing what someone is going through, acknowledging their experience, and offering support in any way we can.

Our colleague emphasized how small gestures of understanding and flexibility can make a significant impact. Whether it's adjusting work schedules to accommodate medical appointments, or simply offering words of encouragement during difficult times, these acts of kindness contribute to a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Compassion, as they shared, is about more than just understanding—it's about taking action to alleviate the hardships faced by others. At Englobe, this means fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up about their needs and challenges, and where support systems are in place to help our team members thrive, both professionally and personally.

This Canadian Mental Health Week, we are reminded of the strength we have when we come together to support each other. Our team member's experiences underscore the importance of building a compassionate, understanding community at Englobe—one where everyone knows they are not alone, and where kindness is woven into the fabric of our daily interactions.

We are inspired by their courage and openness in sharing their story, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to create a caring and supportive environment for all our employees. 

Our commitment to a supportive community

Kindness and compassion have the power to transform our approach to chronic illness, mental health, and beyond. They encourage a community where every individual feels empowered to share their stories, seek help when needed, and support others along the way.

This week, and every week, let’s commit to making kindness and compassion principles we live by. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those around us, continuing to enhance mental health and well-being for everyone.

Did you know?

• People with chronic conditions are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population.
• According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, as of 2023, about 6 out of 10 Canadian adults over the age of 20 have a chronic disease, and 4 out of 10 have at least two.