Breaking the Silence: How Bankers Are Prioritising Mental Health Through Connection

As a banking professional working in a busy city, it can be challenging to find the time and opportunity to connect with others. With long work hours, busy schedules, and constant demands, it can often feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to build meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, or peers.

However, building strong relationships with others is crucial for success in the banking industry. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, learn from others in the field, or simply build strong working relationships with colleagues, connecting with others is essential.

So how can you find the time and opportunity to connect with others in a busy city banking environment? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Make use of technology:

In today’s digital age, there are countless tools and platforms that can help you connect with others without ever leaving your desk. Consider joining online communities that are not associated with the industry you are in. Build degrees of separation between your online life and the one you lead in the office. There are plenty of online events, where communities join weekly painting programs or writing clubs.

Attend industry events:

Industry events and conferences can be a great way to connect with others in the banking industry. These events offer the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with colleagues and peers, and discover new trends and best practices. Make sure to attend events that are relevant to your area of expertise and take the time to engage with others while you’re there.

Meet a Therapist

Sometimes, you may just need to have a confidential chat with someone who has no agenda, other than to listen. Talking Therapy takes many forms. If you are interested to find out more if this is something that would be of interest, do drop a note on the contacts

The Importance of Deliberate Networking: Crafting Meaningful Connections

In the fast-paced world of banking, where every second counts, intentional networking often takes a backseat. However, building and nurturing professional relationships is as crucial as any other task on your to-do list. Here’s an expanded view of why and how you should schedule dedicated networking time:

1. Prioritisation of Relationships: In a sector driven by numbers and deadlines, it’s easy to forget the human element. By setting aside specific times for networking, you signal to yourself and others that relationships matter and are worth the investment of time.
2. Structured Approach: Just as you would prepare for a meeting, having scheduled networking times allows you to approach these sessions with a clear agenda. Whether it’s seeking advice, sharing an update, or discussing industry trends, a structured conversation often yields better outcomes.
3. Diverse Interactions: Regularly scheduled networking sessions encourage you to step out of your immediate circle and interact with a varied group of professionals. This diversity can bring fresh perspectives and open up unforeseen opportunities.
4. Consistency: Networking is not a one-off activity. Consistent interactions help in building trust and understanding. By scheduling regular sessions, you ensure that your professional relationships remain strong and active.
5. Personal Growth: These interactions are not just about professional gain. They offer personal growth opportunities, allowing you to improve your communication skills, gain different viewpoints, and even develop friendships.
6. Flexibility: While face-to-face interactions have their charm, don’t shy away from using technology. Virtual coffee chats, webinars, or online industry forums can be just as effective, especially when geography or time zones are barriers.
7. Long-term Benefits: Regular networking can pave the way for mentorship opportunities, collaborations, or even job offers in the future. It’s an investment that often yields long-term benefits.
8. Work-Life Balance: While networking is professional, it also offers a break from the routine. A casual coffee chat or a dinner with a client can provide relaxation, making it a blend of work and leisure.
9. Staying Updated: Regular interactions with peers and colleagues keep you updated with industry happenings, best practices, and innovations, ensuring you’re always in the know.
10. Building a Personal Brand: Regular and intentional networking helps in creating a personal brand. Over time, you’ll be recognized not just for your job role, but for your insights, willingness to collaborate, and commitment to the industry.

Volunteer for Industry Organisations: Deepening Connections and Building a Legacy

Volunteering for industry organizations or associations is not just about giving back to the community, but also about personal and professional growth. In the banking sector, where competition is fierce, and the pressure is high, finding genuine, non-transactional avenues to connect can be a game-changer. Here’s how volunteering can enrich your professional journey in the banking sector:

1. Skill Enhancement: While you volunteer with a particular skill set, you often end up learning more. This could be in the form of leadership abilities, event management, or even public speaking. Working in different settings and facing unique challenges broadens your skill set, making you more adaptable in your primary role.
2. Networking Opportunities: Volunteering often places you in diverse groups, giving you the chance to interact with professionals across various levels, sectors, and even regions. These interactions can pave the way for collaborations, partnerships, or even new job opportunities.
3. Enhanced Reputation: Being known as someone who volunteers their time and expertise for the greater good of the industry can significantly boost your reputation. It portrays you as a committed, selfless professional, attributes that are highly valued.
4. Personal Fulfillment: Beyond professional gains, volunteering brings a sense of personal fulfilment. Knowing that your skills and expertise are contributing to the betterment of the industry can bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
5. Staying Updated: Industry organizations are often at the forefront of new trends, regulations, and innovations. Volunteering can give you a front-row seat to these changes, ensuring you stay updated and ahead of the curve.
6. Leadership Opportunities: As you volunteer and showcase your commitment and skills, there are chances to take on leadership roles within these organizations. Such roles can further enhance your leadership abilities, preparing you for bigger roles in your primary job.
7. Broadened Perspective: Interacting with a diverse set of professionals, tackling unique challenges, and being exposed to different facets of the industry can broaden your perspective. This holistic view can be invaluable in decision-making roles in banking.

In essence, volunteering in industry organizations is an investment. An investment of time and skills that promises rich dividends in the form of personal growth, professional opportunities, and a legacy of positive impact on the industry.

Addressing Loneliness and Isolation:

In the fast-paced world of banking, it’s easy to feel isolated, even when surrounded by colleagues and the hustle and bustle of the city. The stress and demands of the job can sometimes make one retreat into a shell, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness. While professional success is important, it’s essential to remember that human beings are inherently social creatures who thrive on interaction.

1. Mentorship Programs: Many organizations have mentorship programs where senior professionals guide the younger or newer entrants. This not only helps in professional development but also creates a bond between the mentor and mentee.
2. Lunch and Learn Sessions: Organize or attend “Lunch and Learn” sessions where professionals come together during lunch breaks to learn something new. It could be related to banking or even a hobby like photography. This not only enriches one’s skill set but also fosters community feeling.
3. Engage in Team-Building Activities: While work is a priority, taking time off to engage in team-building activities can be refreshing. This could be in the form of workshops, retreats, or even simple team lunches or dinners.
4. Seek Counselling: It’s okay to seek help if you feel overwhelmed. Many organizations have counselling services for their employees. If not, there are numerous helplines and professional counsellors available. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness.
5. Join Interest Groups: Every city has clubs or groups related to various interests – be it book reading, hiking, cycling, or even meditation. Joining such groups can help in meeting like-minded people outside of the banking world, providing a refreshing break.
6. Embrace Flexibility: If your job allows, embrace flexible working hours or remote working days. This change in environment can sometimes reduce work-related stress and give you more time to connect with family and loved ones.

Why Mental Well-being Matters:

While the banking industry focuses on numbers, profits, and targets, it’s essential to remember that at the core of every transaction and deal is a human being. For human beings to function at their best, their mental well-being is crucial. A happy, content and mentally healthy professional is more likely to be productive, innovative, and a team player. By recognizing the importance of mental health and taking steps to ensure the well-being of their employees, banks can ensure not just individual but also organizational success.

Closing Thoughts

Breaking the silence around mental health and encouraging open and honest conversations can go a long way in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. By prioritizing mental health through connection and promoting employee well-being, bankers can not only improve the quality of life for their workforce but also positively impact the bottom line of their organization. Let us hope that this trend continues and more industries follow suit in recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace. Connecting with others is essential for our mental well-being.