Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, and powerful stories. Each episode has important takeaways that will help to create a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Tune in as we Bring Out The Talent!
Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Mental Wellness in the Workplace: Supporting Millennial and Gen Z Employees
Anxiety has become a pervasive issue, especially among younger generations. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 62% of Millennials report feeling overwhelmed by stress, and Gen Z-ers are not far behind at 59%. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address mental health challenges in our workplaces and communities.
In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we speak with Dr. Lauren Cook, author of the book, “Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World.” Dr. Cook is a therapist, consultant, speaker, and author who specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve their mental wellness. Dr. Cook's passion for mental health spans all ages and identities, with a particular focus on workplace well-being.
Together, we discuss the unique stressors facing Millennials and Gen Z-ers, the impact of anxiety on learning and productivity, and practical strategies for creating supportive workplace environments. If you're looking to foster a more supportive and productive workplace, this discussion is filled with invaluable insights and actionable takeaways.
Jocelyn Allen:
I just noticed David's very cool shirt today...
Maria Melfa:
Go
Jocelyn Allen:
Did you have that shirt on this morning because this is our second podcast?...
Maria Melfa:
Wardrobe change. Wow.
Jocelyn Allen:
Very impressive...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Thank you so much for having me. That was a fun dance party...
Jocelyn Allen:
You had some good moves there...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yeah. Well, and you mentioned earlier...
Jocelyn Allen:
Absolutely. I think social media is the biggest impact...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
It's from an addiction, right?...
Jocelyn Allen:
It's really hard to get away from that...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yeah, well, as we said before we hit record, takes one to know one...
Jocelyn Allen:
Oh my God. I want to rewind that...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Oh, I mean, it encroaches in so many ways...
Jocelyn Allen:
A very good point...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yeah, that exposure prevention is key...
Jocelyn Allen:
Right, when you look at the facts...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Well, and not to get too dark here...
Jocelyn Allen:
No, but I appreciate that perspective...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Right, exactly. Because the avoidance can be a factor...
Jocelyn Allen:
It is so great to see this topic finally being discussed...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
I am such an advocate of generational connection...
Jocelyn Allen:
You're not even joking...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Really hard for me or dating...
Jocelyn Allen:
Yeah, I would definitely agree...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
The mentorship piece is huge...
Jocelyn Allen:
That's great. So many of our listeners are in training...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Well firstly, get out there and see what's available...
Jocelyn Allen:
Great suggestion...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Right. Yeah. And first it is building awareness...
Jocelyn Allen:
And you really have to make sure that people feel comfortable...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yes. So I am a huge advocate of holistic healing with anxiety...
Jocelyn Allen:
That's fantastic...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
I feel like we are just at the tipping point...
Jocelyn Allen:
Absolutely. And all the stuff that's coming out now...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
I know. I know it really is...
Jocelyn Allen:
Absolutely. No, it's amazing...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yes. I'm all for the mocktail movement.
Jocelyn Allen:
They're cute, right? I know...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Yeah. So it's everything from keynotes...
Jocelyn Allen:
Fantastic...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Let's do it.
Maria Melfa:
It's the TTA 10. 10 final questions.
Jocelyn Allen:
All right, Dr. Lauren...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
This is amazing. Let's do it.
Maria Melfa:
90 seconds on the TTA 10 clock...
Jocelyn Allen:
If you could create your own holiday...
Dr. Lauren Cook:
National Donut Day.
Jocelyn Allen:
Who's your favorite cartoon character?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Little Mermaid.
Jocelyn Allen:
Favorite holiday?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Valentine's Day.
Jocelyn Allen:
Any animal as a pet?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
A sea otter.
Jocelyn Allen:
Name it?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Puppy.
Jocelyn Allen:
Favorite food?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Chicken schnitzel.
Jocelyn Allen:
Who let the dogs out?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Old McDonald.
Jocelyn Allen:
Six plus two?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Eight.
Jocelyn Allen:
Settle nerves at the end of the day?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Hot bath.
Jocelyn Allen:
Actor you’ll always watch?
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Julie Andrews.
Maria Melfa:
First round knockout, 59 seconds.
Maria Melfa:
West coast rappers, hit it.
West Coast Rappers:
🎵 There's a traveler on the mental health road... [Full lyrics]
Dr. Lauren Cook:
I feel like I just watched a magic show.
Jocelyn Allen:
Thank you. It's been a true pleasure.
Dr. Lauren Cook:
Thank you. This was so much fun.
Jocelyn Allen:
For more information on combating anxiety in the workplace, visit us at thetrainingassociates.com.