World Mental Health Day: Voices from Within Our Company

How these Sodexo employees are coming together to prioritize mental health and create a supportive environment.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day  

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of mental health in our lives. This article features two employees, Kerry Michell and Jo Brunell, who have made significant contributions to fostering a supportive environment at Sodexo. Through their dedication and efforts, they have helped create a space where mental well-being is prioritized. 

Kerry Michell: Supporting Mental Health

Kerry Michell, our Employee Relations Manager with nearly 20 years at Sodexo, deeply values mental health and integrates it into her daily routine. Despite her busy schedule, Kerry prioritizes her mental well-being by engaging in physical activities and starting her work meetings with genuine check-ins with her coworkers.

Kerry has cultivated a supportive environment within her team and is an active member of our Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), PRIDE. Through her role as PRIDE Programming Chair, she has found a strong network of support.

“There is so much support at Sodexo; we have so much help out there and knowing resources are available makes a big difference,” Kerry shares.  

This sense of community allows Kerry to feel a strong sense of belonging at our company. She believes that the best way to support others is by listening and being present for them.

Jo Brunell: Balancing Well-being with Technology

Jo Brunell, our Senior Manager of Digital Experience, has been with Sodexo for over 20 years. Jo emphasizes the importance of self-care in mental health, noting that taking care of oneself enables one to better support others. She has found that technology plays a crucial role in maintaining her mental well-being. As a remote worker, Jo uses her Samsung Watch as a reminder to stay active and achieve her health goals. She aims to walk 3-4 miles a day and schedules time to ensure she meets this goal. Jo also values taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed.

Jo serves as the Communications Chair in PRIDE and has experienced a strong support network within the organization.

Reflecting on her time in PRIDE, she says, “I have never felt more free to be myself than when I am with my PRIDE people. They are so open, honest, and loving and this community truly is my safe space.” 

Jo believes that creating a supportive environment at both work and home strengthens individuals and contributes to overall success.

Shared Efforts and Impact

Both Kerry and Jo are proud members of PRIDE and have found a second family within the EBRG. As leadership board members, they collaborate closely to engage with everyone and ensure their well-being.

One significant initiative they collaborated on is the creation of Safe Space, a resource developed through the collective effort of the PRIDE leadership team. Safe Space began as an open discussion call during Pride Month and provides a platform for employees to share their thoughts in a supportive and open environment.

“Having Safe Space allows our employees to feel safe and open at work. Everyone should feel safe being themselves in their workplace,” Jo explains.

Recognizing the value of Safe Space, the team decided to continue these calls on a monthly basis. The sessions feature hot topics and allow members to discuss issues affecting them, fostering a strong support system.

“Safe Space has been a great resource. We’ve seen more people join each month, and it provides a valuable avenue for sharing, support, and available resources,” Kerry shares.

Through their collaborative efforts, Kerry, Jo, and the PRIDE leadership team have created an important resource that helps employees in PRIDE feel connected and supported. Their dedication exemplifies the commitment to fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment, reinforcing the importance of mental health and support within the company.