Staff Well-Being as the Foundation of Success

“Work is one of the most vital parts of life, powerfully shaping our health, wealth, and well-being. At its best, work provides us the ability to support ourselves and our loved ones, and can also provide us with a sense of meaning, opportunities for growth, and a community. When people thrive at work, they are more likely to feel physically and mentally healthy overall, and to contribute positively to their workplace. This creates both a responsibility and unique opportunity for leaders to create workplace environments that support the health and well-being of workers.”

Vivek H. Murphy, M.D., M.B.A.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being

At AIMHiTN we have developed the role of Workforce Well-Being Coordinator to oversee staff professional health and development initiatives. This role provides staff resource support, manages the Staff Well-Being Committee, and delivers tailored professional development opportunities. With expertise in human services and a commitment to infant and early childhood mental health, we design recognition activities and create personalized growth plans—all while fostering a collaborative, supportive remote work environment for our Tennessee-based team.

In an organization focused on supporting infant and early childhood mental health professionals, modeling healthy workplace practices is particularly important. This role ensures AIMHiTN practices the same principles of supportive relationships internally that it promotes externally.

By reducing turnover, enhancing staff capabilities, and creating an environment of well-being, this position ultimately strengthens AIMHiTN's ability to fulfill its mission of supporting healthy development in Tennessee's youngest children. Below are some of the key initiatives that bring this vision to life.

Professional Development Investment

AIMHiTN invests in our team's growth through dedicated professional development funding. Working collaboratively with the Workforce Well-Being Coordinator and their directors, staff members identify personalized growth opportunities and leverage their individual allowances to pursue advanced education through conferences, specialized trainings, workshops, and targeted courses.

This strategic approach to professional development has yielded remarkable results across our programs. Our team members have strengthened their credentials, expanded their expertise, and cultivated a passion for program excellence—directly enhancing our organization's impact throughout Tennessee.

Staff-Led Wellness Initiatives

The Staff Well-Being Committee represents a cornerstone of AIMHiTN's commitment to organizational health. This cross-functional team brings together representatives from every department to develop and implement initiatives that nurture our workplace. From celebrating important life milestones to organizing health fairs, community service opportunities, and team-building events, the committee translates staff feedback into meaningful action.

This collaborative approach to workplace wellness does more than enhance individual well-being—it propels our entire organization forward. By empowering staff to shape their own work environment, we create a professional atmosphere where everyone feels valued and invested in our collective success. The committee's focus on healthy work-life integration and community building has strengthened our organizational resilience, improved communication across teams, and aligned our internal practices with the relationship-centered values we promote in our work with Tennessee's families.

Cultivating Connection

The Staff Well-Being Committee serves as a vital catalyst in enhancing our organizational climate by deliberately creating opportunities for connection and community among colleagues. Through thoughtful planning of staff events and meetings, the committee addresses the fundamental human need for workplace community that transcends professional responsibilities.

By drawing representatives from across departments, the committee captures various perspectives when designing team-building activities, holiday celebrations, and staff retreats. These events are strategically crafted to strengthen interpersonal bonds in our remote work environment, where intentional connection points become essential for maintaining organizational cohesion.

Through initiatives like Well-Being Wednesdays, staff choose to come together in the morning before starting their day to connect on a personal level, free from the constraints of business agendas. Each session includes guided conversations through selected topics or brief seminars, fostering meaningful discussions. These activities bring our workplace values to life, helping to integrate new team members while strengthening connections among existing staff.

Staff Development: Well-Being Trainings for Teams and Individuals

The Workforce Well-Being Coordinator offers a comprehensive suite of training programs designed to nurture both organizational health and individual resilience amongst staff. These specialized sessions address the unique challenges faced by professionals who work with children ages prenatal-6-- those who often focus on caring for others while putting their own needs aside. These trainings acknowledge an important reality: in our field, burnout isn't just a personal struggle, but a professional risk that directly impacts both the quality of our work and how long people stay in their careers.

During these sessions, participants learn practical skills they can use right away:

How to fit quick "micro-practices" for well-being into even the busiest workdays

Ways to create healthy emotional boundaries while still maintaining caring connections

Techniques for sustainable self-care during especially demanding periods

By addressing well-being at both the team and individual levels, these trainings help create a workplace where self-care is considered an essential professional skill rather than an optional extra—ensuring that these professionals obtain personal tools and organizational support they need to thrive in their important work with Tennessee's youngest children and families. To learn more about bringing this training to your organization or to discuss customized well-being solutions for your team, please contact Taylor Barnes at taylorb@aimhitn.org.