The results come slightly before the biotech company plans to release another product as the demand for COVID-19 vaccines continues to decrease worldwide. The company is anticipating U.S. approval for an RSV — also known as respiratory syncytial virus — vaccine on May 12. If cleared, the shot will launch in the third quarter.
Moderna shares rose over 6% on May 2 following the results.
Beating Wall Street’s expectations of $97.5 million, Moderna closed sales at $167 million during the first quarter, although revenue from the COVID-19 shot dropped almost 90% from the same time period in 2023.
For the entire year of 2023, Moderna reported $1.86 billion in revenue. After adopting a cost-cutting strategy, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the company is doing well. “On the operating expenses side of a company, we’ve made great progress,” Bancel said during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, adding that the team “has done a great job resizing the company.”
The company’s CFO, Jamey Mock, broke down the revenue’s regional origins: nearly $100 million came from the U.S., and $67 million came from international markets like Latin America. Second quarter reports will include a section of the company’s contract with Brazil, as Moderna recently announced it will supply 12.5 million COVID-19 vaccines.
The revenue decline partly came from transitioning to a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine trend, showing patients taking their shots primarily in the fall and winter months. However, it’s not all bad news. According to Quartz, Moderna’s $1.18 billion net loss, the equivalent of $3.07 per share, is still stronger than the $1.4 billion net loss estimated by the FactSet consensus.
Mock said the company is “more encouraged by what we’re seeing from a productivity perspective” in the first quarter than the higher sales of its COVID-19 vaccine. However, they hope sales will pick up after the RSV vaccine rollout. Their goal is to “build upon the success of its commercial efforts in the fall COVID-19 market.”
“This is the start of a banner year for our vaccine platform as we continue to advance mRNA medicines for patients,” Bancel said.
“This is just the beginning.”
In 2025, Moderna expects an increase in sales growth and to break even by 2026, following the launch of new products and an update of current products. The company announced an updated COVID-19 vaccine called mRNA-1283, which is described as having a more robust immune response than its current after phase-3 clinical trial results.
Mental Health Awareness: 3 Ways To Preserve Your Peace
Originally Published Jul. 8, 2016.
We are all feeling so much — too much — more than we know how to bear, really. From rage to confusion, to heartbreak, empathy, hopelessness, and perhaps more rage, we are currently, collectively, drowning in emotion.
We can’t let it take us under.
There is no quick fix. We all, clearly, want change right now, but are faced with the deflating reality that change — real change — takes time.
Right now, though, we must take care of ourselves — our physical and mental health.
We cannot be as effective as we hope if we’re not giving our minds, bodies, and spirits 100%. If ever there was a time when we needed to be operating at optimal levels, that time is now.
Here is what you can do to try to remain sane amid utter insanity.
Disconnect
We want to know everything. We want to know as it’s happening. We want to engage and know that people are thinking and feeling the same way that we are. We want constant community as to not feel as alone as we already do. Ultimately, it can all be too much.
Consistently engaging gut-wrenching information is more destructive than we know. Allow yourself a moment to step away from the chaos. Your mind, your spirit needs this. Look at something you love. Read words that uplift, be in your own processing space, and reconnect when you’re ready.
Friends and Family
Sit with your loved ones. Let them know what they mean to you, right now. Come up with an “in case of emergency” plan. Embrace. Check in with each other. Be a loving presence. Fill each other up the best you can.
Escape
Watch a comedy even when nothing in you can find anything to laugh about. Get a card game going. Remind yourself of the last thing that had you doubled over in laughter and laugh all over again. Enjoy places, things, and people that you love.
Whatever you do, come up for air. We need you too much to drown now.
Homeschooling May Be The ‘Fastest-Growing’ Form Of Education In The U.S. Right Now
Homeschooling is rapidly gaining popularity among minorities, with 41% of homeschooled students identifying as non-white.
What once was considered a niche educational approach has witnessed a remarkable surge, with the number of homeschooled students in the United States skyrocketing since previous estimates in 2019.
Recent data from Skillademiashowed an increase in homeschooled students by at least 12% since 2019. A 2024 report from the National Home Education Research Institute found approximately 3.1 million homeschooled students in grades K-12 in the U.S. during the 2021-2022 academic year, a significant increase from the 2.5 million homeschooled students in spring 2019. Growing by an estimated 2% to 8% annually in previous years, the homeschool population has seen drastic increases from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021.
NHERI’s report stated the most common motivations for homeschooling involved customizing the curriculum according to the child, enhancing family relationships, and teaching particular values, beliefs, and world views. Other reasons included ensuring a safer learning environment and protecting minority children from racism in public schools.
Remarkably, homeschooling is rapidly gaining popularity among minorities, with 41% of homeschooled students identifying as non-white. As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, 2023 saw more Black families opt to homeschool their children. BE covered the story of Marquita Straus’ autistic daughter, who experienced physical abuse and isolation from her white teacher, leading Straus to homeschool her child.
Research findings indicate that homeschooled students thrive and perform above average in social, emotional, and psychological development. Their scores have reflected higher percentiles of 15 to 25 on standardized academic achievement tests than those of public school students.
The at-home format has proven beneficial for young entrepreneurs, allowing them to pursue their passions ahead of adulthood. Forbesspotlighted 14-year-old Cash Daniels from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who balances his conservation nonprofit, The CleanUp Kids, with homeschooling. Daniels explained, “The personalized schedule gives me the ability to work on my business and give back to my community.” The flexible schooling option has allowed the teen to pursue more speaking engagements across his state.
In a memo released from the White House on May 1, President Joe Biden backed up his promise to fight for the students and borrowers who attended defrauded colleges. “While my predecessor looked the other way when colleges defrauded students and borrowers, I promised to take this on directly to provide borrowers with the relief they need and deserve,” the memo read.
“Today’s announcement builds on all we’ve done to fix broken student loan programs and bring higher education more in reach.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Biden alluded to more coming announcements in addition to what his administration has already done. Under Biden’s leadership, close to $29 billion in debt relief has been secured for 1.6 million borrowers whose institutions took advantage of their students and closed doors abruptly. During President Donald Trump’s reign, a little over 50,000 borrowers with similar circumstances had their debt canceled.
“This is the latest – but not the last – step to hold bad actors accountable and get relief to folks who need it,” the president tweeted.
My Administration is cancelling $6.1 billion in debt for 317,000 borrowers who attended the Art Institutes, an institution that falsified data and cheated borrowers.
This is the latest – but not the last – step to hold bad actors accountable and get relief to folks who need it.
According to CBS News, the Art Institutes, with operating branches in Atlanta, New York, Fort Worth, and Tampa, permanently shut down in September 2023 following an investigation from the Department of Education. The finding included that the schools misrepresented graduate employment rates and salaries. The company allegedly falsely claimed that 80% of its graduates found jobs in their fields of study six months after graduation when the accurate number never increased past 57%.
In a statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, he said hundreds of thousands of students took out loans worth billions to attend the schools but “got little but lies in return.” “We must continue to protect borrowers from predatory institutions — and work toward a higher education system that is affordable to students and taxpayers,” Cardona said.
The recent efforts follow Biden’s plan to tackle the $1.7 trillion in student debt after the Supreme Court blocked his broad-based college loan forgiveness plan in 2023. Since taking office, the Biden administration has fixed the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income-Driven Repayment for “borrowers get the relief they are entitled to under the law” as well as implemented the SAVE Plan, described as “the most affordable repayment plan ever.”
For borrowers who qualify, the Education Department will automatically forgive student debt for people who borrowed money to attend any Art Institutes campus between Jan. 1, 2004, and Oct. 16, 2017. While borrowers don’t need to fill out any applications for the process, eligible borrowers started receiving notice of forgiveness on May 1.
All loans will be immediately paused, meaning borrowers should not have to make additional payments.
Quavo Partners With Vinny And Kelan Watson To Open New Atlanta Restaurant
The Rapper announced the soft launch of his new " Bad and Boujee" restaurant.
Restaurateurs Kelan and Vinny Watson have partnered with rapper Quavo to open V12 Restaurant and Sports Bar. Located at 610 Spring Street in Midtown Atlanta, the V12 will open its doors this Saturday. The restaurant sits in a prime location with easy access to the 75/85 highway and public transportation.
A video featured on The Migos Fan Page TikTok account shows the ”Hotel Lobby” rapper as he gives a fans sneak peek of the swanky eatery that overlooks the Atlanta skyline.
“V12 will create moments in Atlanta’s history where the world of spectators and epicureans collide. Come, join us for the V12 experience,” Co-Owner Kelan Watson said in a press release
His brother and business partner, Vinny Waston, says that they pulled out all the stops to create a premier experience for their guests.
“My team and I have been obsessing over every single detail – from the chandeliers to the lighting, to the sound, to the presentation, etc. I am certain that our guests will create unforgettable memories at V12. It is going to be EPIC,” he said.
Beverage director Simone Hopson will oversee the bar, which will include an extensive list of handcrafted cocktails and a curated wine list. The space also has over 20 TVs, which makes it an ideal gathering spot for sports fans.
The decor includes furniture imported from Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as creations from local artists. The retractable roof gives guests the opportunity to dine under the stars during the warmer months. Valet service, as well as self-parking will be available.
But the focal point of the 7,500 square foot space is the Lamborghini from Quavos’ performance of “Lamb Talk” on The Tonight Show, which sits in the center of the restaurant.
Beyoncé’s Cécred x BeyGood Fund Launch 2nd Round Of Business Grants To Beauty Salons In Financial Need
Beyoncé's Cécred x BeyGood Fund is ready to give five more salons grants to further their business.
Beyoncé’s Cécred x BeyGood Fund is staying true to its mission of fostering the next generation of hair care professionals with the launch of its second round of business grants.
On Wednesday, May 1, the fund reopened applications for its business grants initiative that awards five $10,000 grants to qualifying salon owners in financial need. It’s part of the fund’s annual $500,000 in donations to cosmetology school scholarships and salon business grants within the five chosen cities of Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.
Last month, the first round of scholarship and business grant recipients were announced. Cécred x BeyGood gave out twenty-five $10,000 financial aid student scholarships across five cosmetology schools and twenty-five $10,000 grants to qualifying salon business owners.
Five students were selected from Beaver Beauty Academy in Atlanta, Trenz Beauty Academy in Chicago, Universal College of Beauty in Los Angeles, Franklin Institute in Houston, and Janas Cosmetology Academy in New Jersey. The five salons that received the $10k business grants include Kingdom Glam Beauty Depot in Atlanta, Amour Full Service Salon Inc. in Chicago, Knot’s Beauty Company LLC in Houston, Nela Beauty Salon LLC in Los Angeles, and The A Lifestyle in New Jersey.
“Hair Stylists (and aspiring stylists) are imperative to our community and we’re committed to supporting their growth,” BeyGOOD announced on Instagram.
“That’s why we’re awarding twenty-five $10,000 financial aid studentscholarships across 5 cosmetology schools, and twenty-five $10,000 grants to qualifying salon business owners demonstrating financial need, enabling them to continue making an impact in their communities.”
Cécred’s financial acts of kindness with BeyGOOD follow the haircare line’s launch in February. It’s a first for Beyoncé who created the brand to continue her family’s legacy in the haircare industry.
“Hair has always been a very big part of our lives. Just as fashion saved our family, hair is how we made a living,” Ms. Tina Knowles told Essence.
“In the culture of Black folks, all the way from the beginning: If you could do some hair, you’ll never be broke,” she explains. “I told my kids that. My mama told me that. So it’s just our legacy, and this full-circle moment feels amazing.”
Since its release, Cécred has received rave reviews from people with all hair types. Video testimonials shared on social media show customer’s approval of the results.
Despite Public Perception, Most Black Parents Are Involved In Their Child’s Education
New UNCF Report Sheds Light on Perspectives of African American Parents on Key Education Issues
With recent clips circulating on social media that call out the learning gap of Black students or lack of parental involvement, Indianapolis parent advocate and mother of three, Ashley Thomas, says that for many Black parents, this is far from the truth.
“Many times, for a lot of us Black parents, we hear the negative when something wrong happens or, ‘Oh, these parents are not showing up.’” Thomas told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“We’ve seen a lot of TikToks around what parents are doing, but the parents are really doing the best that they can, and they are literally being game changers…and we get to pat parents on the back for that and say, ‘Hey, that drumbeat, you get to keep that going.’”
A new report by United Negro College Fund (UNCF), “Hear Us, Believe Us: Centering African American Parent Voices in K-12 Education,”affirms Thomas’ sentiments with research that offers a comprehensive analysis of the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of African American parents in relation to race, college aspirations, parental engagement, and more.
“We are really excited about this work and to be able to uplift parent voices, because we know too often that parent voices are rendered silent, but we know that they have been making a difference in education for decades,” Dr. Meredith B.L. Anderson, UNCF Director of K-12 Research, told BE.
While UNCF just celebrated its 80th anniversary uplighting minority students pursuing higher education, the organization also has a K-12 advocacy arm to ensure the next generation is college-ready.
“For the past 12 years, we have been uplifting the voices of the Black community on various issues related to K-12 education: from race, college readiness, equity,” Anderson said.
“And so, my role is creating those research reports, talking to members of the community — be it parents, students, counselors, teachers — and making sure that we’re dismantling some of those deficit narratives when it comes to our Black communities, because we know they’re engaged, they’re informed, they’re ready to make change.”
The UNCF Advocacy Division creates college-readiness tools and has more than 20 publications and resources on the K-12 level alone. The newest report, released May 2, highlights the crucial role that African American parents play in their children’s education. It underscores the importance of understanding their unique perspectives and incorporating them into education policies and practices.
UNCF conducted research with a national sample of Black parents via phone surveys and focus groups. The research also included an oversample of Black parents in Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, and Memphis. Some of the key report findings include:
Black parents report higher college aspirations for their child and lower instances of school suspensions when there are more Black teachers at their child’s school. For Black parents and caregivers whose children attended schools where many or most teachers were Black, the probability that their child received exclusionary discipline is almost three times lower than when their child attended schools with fewer Black teachers.
Black parents greatly value higher education and are deeply engaged and invested in their child’s education with 84% of Black parents who believe it is important for their child to attend and graduate college and over 80% check their child’s homework and speak to their child’s teacher on a regular basis. Meanwhile, 93% of Black parents say they want more opportunities to be involved in their child’s education and input into education laws.
Black parents want to see more Black leaders in education. Seventy percent of African American parents and caregivers believe the involvement of African American leaders and organizations will make school improvement efforts more effective.
School safety is a key concern for Black parents and caregivers, with 80 % of African American parents and caregivers ranking safety as the most important factor for school selection.
Dr. Anderson underscored the report’s focus on the importance of Black teachers.
“We also found that Black parents felt more respected when there were more Black teachers. So we know that Black teachers matter,” she said.
The report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the concerns and aspirations of African American parents.
Recommendations for the K-12 Sector
Invest unapologetically in Black teachers.
Create more intentional opportunities for parent involvement.
Create a learning environment that reflects African American history and culture.
Partner with local organizations to provide resources and services for families.
Value and prioritize support staff in school budgets.
Prioritize student safety.
Recommendations for Higher Education
Make intentional efforts to expose students and families to college opportunities.
Create intentional pipelines with districts and charter management organizations for increasing educator diversity.
Ensure teacher training programs include anti-racist, culturally relevant teaching practices.
Partner with K-12 schools and districts to provide financial and literacy to students and families.
For Thomas, the Indianapolis parent advocate, her personal passion of investing in her children’s education has poured into her professional work as founder and CEO of A.N.T. Foundation Consulting, which provides community organizing training, strategic community mobilization, and organizational leadership development. She encourages parents and educators to “co-parent” for their child’s educational success, and to take the calls-to-action in this report seriously.
“I tell parents all the time, ‘When I move, you move, it’s just like that.’ We get to move together in community to make things happen. And so, we’ve got to also make sure that reports like this don’t just sit there; we use them to empower the parents to be able to also move and take their voices on federal, state level, policy level, school district — whatever it is — because our voices are so powerful.”
Access the full report here and tune in Friday, May 3 at Noon ET to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s streamingplatforms to the podcast, Class is in Session, where Dr. Anderson discusses the findings of the report and Ms. Thomas offers tips for parents to engage with schools.
Spots Are Full At University Of Alabama At Birmingham’s New Early Learning Center
UAB's new early learning facility is carefully designed to support faculty and staff success by providing affordable child care services.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has inaugurated a new Early Learning Center to address the growing childcare needs of its employees; and believe it or not, spots are already full.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 30, UAB President Ray L. Watts said, “We are pleased to open this new, thoughtfully designed facility that more than doubles our capacity to offer quality, accessible child care and early learning experiences.” According to the university, the single-story facility boasts a space large enough to accommodate up to 228 children and 46 infants across its 18,500 square feet, which includes classrooms, operational spaces, and a 9,700-square-foot outdoor playground.
The center offers reduced tuition and discounted services to UAB’s faculty, staff, and students, providing a “practical and financially sustainable solution,” according to Brian Burnett, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.
UAB recognizes the ongoing demand for childcare solutions. “Child care is a big issue across the state of Alabama, and UAB is no exception to that,” Burnett said, as mentioned on AL.com. Despite being at its maximum enrollment, the institution is working to open up more availability. “We had a waitlist for several years of over 200 families wanting access to child care while they study, or serve our hospital or teach our students in the various operations of UAB, so this was in great demand,” Burnett said.
As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, on-campus early learning programs have also been a focus for other institutions like San Antonio College, which established a free Head Start center on its campus.
A five-year collaboration between the Association of Community College Trustees and the National Head Start Association seeks to encourage more college campuses to establish Head Start centers. The initiative addresses the needs of nearly 4 million U.S. college students who simultaneously juggle roles as students and parents.
Black Women Can’t Afford To Ignore Mental Health Treatment
Originally Published May 2, 2019.
When it comes to mental health, black women are more likely to experience mental health-related issues due to lower income, poor health, multiple role strain, and the “double minority status” of race and gender, according to a study conducted by psychologists who focused on the lack of support black women receive professionally.
Only ⅓ of black Americans who need mental health care receive it
Physician-patient communication differs for African Americans and whites. Physicians were 23% more verbally dominant and engaged in 33% less patient-centered communication with African American patients than with white patients.
Lack of culturally competent counseling deters folks from seeking care
We know that’s a lot of hardcore facts. So, take a deep breath with us… Now that you have the facts, we want to be sure that you have the tools that you need to take the steps toward your healing or be a resource for another powerful woman.
Speaking of powerful women, we spoke with Dr. LaVerne Collins, interim vice president of Foundation and Professional Services for the National Board for Certified Counselors, about the real on black women and mental health as we prepare for the Women of Power self-care and self-preservation workshop where women can ask our panel of experts anything. Yes, anything!
Black Women Mental Health Facts
When it comes down to the facts and figures, Collins says that there are a number of reasons why black women aren’t seeking professional help for their stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues: stigma, pricing, and mistrust of both diagnoses and treatments to list a few.
“There’s stigma that’s still prevalent in the black community. Even a basic mental health issue like stress or anxiety because we as a people have been taught to be strong and we’ve been taught to rely on the inner strength of our ancestors and spiritual sources — all of which are good — however when we don’t seek the professional care that we need, those resources don’t give us the complete package of care.”
There is also significant stigma associated with the language that some people use that keeps women from pursuing help.
“We’ve heard people say things like, ‘you know she’s not all the way there…’ or ‘you know she’s a little touched…’ We have very unfortunate labels and judgmental statements that we’ve heard our ancestors use because they didn’t have an accurate understanding of mental health,” says Dr. Collins. And that language only keeps women in hiding to live with their pain.
While the stigmas are very real for a lot of women, Dr. Collins urges women to pay attention to abnormal feelings and triggers that may arise.
“Pay attention to anything that is atypical for you; anything that is causing an interruption to your daily life, such as your work or social life; and pay attention to the degree of interference that you are experiencing.”
On your journey to wellness, it is important to seek culturally competent and responsive mental health professionals as well as consult with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to any changes in your mood or brain chemistry. Here’s Collins’ formula for finding the right fit for your needs.
Start your journey today
First, do the research to identify a board-certified counselor whose specialization is a fit for your needs
Secondly, prepare to speak to more than one counselor in the vetting process. You do not need to go with the services of the first counselor that you interview with or have a consultation with.
Look for a counselor who will give you a 15-minute consultation in person or by phone before you enter into an agreement with them.
Prepare yourself by taking notes of how you’re feeling so that you can tell your counselor what your triggers are (i.e., if you’re having crying spells).
Remember that you are not alone
“Have confidants who you can share with that you trust and who will support you with their presence and their words,” adds Dr. Collins.
Know your limits. — Be able to set limits and don’t overload yourself. We live in an overload culture and it’s very easy to do more and take on more. Sometimes we find our significance in the amount of things that we do and we find ourselves wearing ourselves out.
Take vacations or staycations. — Know how to step away and take a real vacation or staycation and do what reenergizes you and things that nourish your mind and body. If what you need is to be away from everyone, do that.
Watch what you eat. — Don’t give your taste buds over what your body really needs.
Maintain a regular cycle of 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
Minimize or manage the amount of stress in your life — recognize what things are stressful to you and have a way to minimize them.
10 Ways Employers Can Support Remote Employee’s Mental Health Needs
Originally Published Jun. 4, 2020.
For businesses that now work remotely, it can be even more challenging to become a champion for employees’ mental health. But it doesn’t take much effort to do so. All employers need to do is follow these 10 tips to support their remote employees’ mental health.
10 Tips to Support the Mental Health of Remote Employees
Do regular face-to-face check-ins
In this 2023 State Remote Work report, loneliness is still ranked as one of the biggest challenges that a remote worker faces in their everyday life. In the United States, loneliness is considered an epidemic– and the risks are heightened when people are discouraged from going outside amidst a global pandemic.
So what’s one way to show remote workers you’re there for them? Doing regular non-work-related check-ins.
Use your online collaboration tools to schedule a time to meet, either one-on-one or as a group. Strike a balance between checking in with employees individually and as a team.
If you’ve never done this regularly, it may be a little awkward at first. So, ease everyone in with some virtual icebreakers to lighten the mood and get everyone out of work mode.
Offer added benefits and perks
Can you perhaps offer additional benefits or perks for employees during these trying times? Some employers are now considering health plans that include mental health services for employees—and it can be a good benefit to add if you can’t hand out raises as often as before.
If changing your company health plan isn’t an option, you can give smaller, one-time perks instead. For example, help your remote team build their dream productive workspace at home by subsidizing expenses for certain office supplies or equipment.
Send a mental health survey
Sometimes employees can’t open up about their mental health concerns in a virtual meeting. Some might find it easier to evaluate their well-being if they’re sent a guided survey or form to express where they’re struggling.
A mental health survey tells you, as the employer, where you can support your employees more in a very specific way. Encourage employees to be very honest when answering this survey, especially if it means it will help you support them emotionally and mentally in and out of work.
Encourage employees to take leave from work
Sometimes remote employees may feel they aren’t entitled to take leave because they already work from home and have greater flexibility. But everyone needs to take a break from work, even for a few days. Encourage employees to take their paid leaves or apply for unpaid leave whenever needed.
An effective way to encourage employees to do this? Model the behavior yourself: take leave from work and show employees that rest is an essential part of their work lives.
Share mental health resources in a dedicated newsletter or channel
Sometimes, sharing resources like articles or videos about mental health is enough to show employees you’re thinking about their well-being. Regularly send new resources to help them manage stress, reduce anxiety, or get over relatable work issues like being “always on” or being afraid of taking breaks from work.
Share these in a dedicated Slack channel for mental health, so everyone knows where to find them. Or send them in a company newsletter each week.
Create a company exercise calendar
Strong links support physical exercise as one of the most effective ways to alleviate stress and boost the spirit. As a business owner, try to find ways to get everyone to stay active, even if they’re stuck at home.
One fun way to do this is to create a company exercise calendar or schedule different physical activities anyone can do. For example, you can schedule a weekly dance party or invite instructors for a fun company yoga session online.
Express gratitude often
Gratitude is one of the only things you can give away without losing anything in return. And when it comes to your employees, expressing gratitude can help boost morale and make them feel appreciated.
Work gets stressful for everybody, but you should still reward good work and employee presence with praise. Thank everyone individually for their contributions and even praise teams for jobs well done in public Slack channels or company newsletters.
Put up extracurriculars and team-building activities
Give employees something to look forward to each week or month with extracurriculars they can join outside work. Encourage teams to start book or film clubs, get everyone together for a team talent show, or just have a good time playing virtual games with each other.
You can even encourage ownership of these tasks by getting volunteers to manage these activities. It can be a great way to empower employees to contribute in ways outside work and really highlight their personal strengths.
Host or sponsor mental health seminars
Try inviting mental health coaches to come aboard one day and give intimate seminars to the company. This can be a space for your remote employees to talk to real professionals in the mental health industry about actual issues and concerns that may be bothering them.
These seminars may also benefit you since you can identify areas to support employees in more intimate or much-needed ways. The mental health industry constantly sees changes and improvements in their research and studies, and it doesn’t hurt to stay informed.
Empower employees to help their communities
Sometimes we can uplift ourselves when we uplift others. Inspire a sense of community and contribution within your company by starting a volunteer program or fundraising campaign, especially in causes that matter most to your employees.
For example, Diishan Imira of Mayvenn, an online platform that helps hair stylists connect and gain new clients and customers, started a #SaveTheSalon fundraising campaign.
His company sought to help displaced hair stylists whose incomes were severely cut due to COVID-19 shutdowns.
Put employees’ well-being first
When you take care of employees, your employees take care of business. This maxim is especially true in a remote workforce that eliminates in-person interactions.
Follow these 10 tips to help you become champions for your remote employees’ mental health, and you’ll see a happier, healthier workforce who’ll stay with you for the long haul.
