Mental health in the workplace has become a hot topic, with corporations rushing to implement wellness initiatives that signal their commitment to employee well-being. One such initiative, the Sunrise Challenge, urges employees to wake up at the crack of dawn in the name of mindfulness, productivity, and self-care. On the surface, it appears to be a thoughtful way to encourage healthier habits. But beneath the polished corporate messaging lies a stark contradiction: the same employees who proudly boast about their early morning commitment to mental health often lack grace for their colleagues who genuinely need flexibility and support during challenging times.
The irony is impossible to ignore—an organization that encourages employees to get up early for mental health, yet struggles to foster a workplace culture that truly prioritizes well-being. How often do we see coworkers whispering behind closed doors when someone steps away during work hours to hit the gym? How frequently do we see judgment cast upon employees who must take time off to care for a sick parent? The concept of supporting mental health should extend far beyond performative gestures; it should be rooted in genuine empathy, understanding, and practical support.
It’s easy to participate in a corporate challenge that looks good on paper. It’s far harder—but far more meaningful—to build a workplace culture that actively supports mental health, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Companies must do more than simply promote wellness as an aesthetic. Employees must stop using mental health as a trend while simultaneously undermining their coworkers when real-life challenges arise.
True wellness requires real change. Not just waking up early—but waking up to the reality of what workplace mental health really means.
— xoxo Sandy
The Inner Workings of My Thoughts 