Mental Health & Wellbeing - Panel Session hosted by EmAGN

Mental wellbeing within the architectural profession and the impact it has on those in the industry is more important than ever.  Situations that involve minimal support, long hours and undervaluing of architecture within the wider community are all potential challenges that can put strain on workplace culture. 

The panel discussion featured:

• Michael Lewarne – Unmeasured (https://unmeasu.red/)
• Fiona Martin - Fiona Martin Consulting (https://www.fionamartinconsulting.com.au/)
• Brian Clohessy - BVN (Head of People and Practice) (https://www.bvn.com.au/people/)
• Byron Kinnaird - Research Fellow at Monash University (https://research.monash.edu/en/)

The panel discussed how employees in the profession can make changes within their workplace and also within themselves. This interactive event, saw each of the panel discussing their experiences within the industry, before opening up to a Q&A session with the audience.

Some key bits of advice were:

• Regardless of what you may think – there’s always someone you can talk to. Whether it’s within your practice, or outside your studio it’s important to try and find your link.
• Practices need to recognise the development of soft skills. They should be looking at expanding employees’ development on subjects like project management, negotiation and decision making etc. These can all be learned over time – and contribute to you being a well-rounded architect.
• Benefits are key! Practices are currently offering a lot more benefits – things like flexibility, learning and development, CPD, career mapping, office environment and monetary benefits are critical now, not only for attraction and retention of employees but for their mental wellbeing too. Implementing changes to their benefits packages will make a difference. To learn more about what benefits are available, check out our 2022 Global Salary Guide here.
• If you’re looking to make change in your practice – you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to others and create strength in numbers. Be sure to start small, you don’t need to change the entire practice at once. We overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in a day.
• When it comes to discussing mental wellbeing in the workplace be sure to ask people how they’re feeling and always try to put yourself in their shoes if they feel a certain type of way. 
• For your own mental wellbeing, work on setting boundaries, learning to make decisions and finally to stand up for yourself. It’s a skill that takes some practice, but is achievable over time.