The 15^th – 21^st May marks Mental health awareness week, and presents an opportunity to reignite the conversation around mental health and consider why it is key to our professional success.

When we take care of our mental health, we are better equipped to deal with stress, manage our emotions, and build resilience. This helps us to be more productive, creative, and innovative in our work. Investing in our mental health isn’t just about feeling good – it’s also a strategic move that can pay dividends in terms of job satisfaction and career growth.

Searching, applying and interviewing for jobs in science can be highly demanding and stressful, therefore maintaining optimal mental health is crucial for those who work in this fiercely competitive field.

If you’re a science enthusiast seeking your next big break, the team at CY Partners are on hand to help you overcome job hunt fatigue and supercharge your success. Below we offer some practical tips to help take the stress out of job searching:

Take breaks!

Amidst the strain and uncertainty of the job search, it is all too common to become consumed by the pressure to speed ahead, resulting in a failure to allow yourself time to recharge.

Slowing down and clearing your head can make it easier to focus on each application, ensuring that you successfully attract the attention of prospective employers. So, take a walk, practice mindfulness meditation or delve into a favourite book to give your mind and body a well-deserved break.

Set realistic goals

Setting unattainable goals can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. So break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each success along the way.

Prioritise self-care

Make time for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be anything from taking a bath, practicing yoga, or spending time with loved ones. Make sure to schedule these activities into your day to ensure that they happen!

Stay connected

According to a LinkedIn report, ‘80 percent of professionals consider networking to be important for their career success’. Networking can help you to cultivate important relationships that could lead to new opportunities. So be proactive about seeking out and engaging with networking possibilities to help you gain a competitive edge and accelerate your career growth trajectory.

Not only will professional networking boost your career prospects, it will also enhance your sense of community, purpose and personal wellbeing through the development of meaningful connections.

Seek professional help

Seeking professional help for mental health challenges not only fosters personal recovery and wellbeing but can also have a profound impact on professional success.

A healthy body and mind are essential for career success in science as they support sustained focus, mental clarity, and the physical stamina necessary for tackling complex research problems and thriving in a competitive, fast-paced work environment.

Scientists often face high levels of pressure to produce ground-breaking research, meet deadlines, secure funding and publish in high-impact journals. This can result in long working hours, high levels of stress and the potential for burnout. Thus, career success in science depends not only on technical skills but also on your mental fortitude. By incorporating effective self-care measures, you can overcome job search anxiety and find your path to professional success.

Furthermore, science is a collaborative field requiring effective communication, teamwork and the ability to build positive relationships. Having good mental health can make it easier for scientists to cope with these challenges and maintain their productivity and creativity.

Minds matter: Our pledge to prioritise the mental health of our team

Here at CY Partners, we take the mental wellbeing of our staff seriously and demonstrate our commitment to employee welfare via an array of mental health initiatives. We understand that fostering a culture of open communication and mutual support can promote teamwork, creativity and innovation, leading to a more vibrant and successful work environment. Prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of employees is a wise investment for businesses, with a host of benefits that extend beyond the well-being of the individual.

Here’s a glimpse into the wellbeing initiatives we’ve implemented to help our team members flourish:

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Flexible hours and hybrid working
• A generous annual leave allowance
• Health and Life Insurance
• Sick pay scheme
• Development and career progression
• Exciting and varied projects
• The opportunity to work alongside a team of fun and dedicated professionals

Investing in the mental health of employees is not just a matter of altruism – it’s also a smart business strategy that can yield significant returns.

If you’re interested in talking to our team about how we could support you in developing a comprehensive and impactful employee wellbeing programme, contact us here.