Mental health is a crucial topic in all industries, and the insurance world is no exception. During his Applied Net 2024 session, “Transforming How You Manage Mental Health in the Workplace,” Justin Goodman will discuss strategic changes your agency can implement which will have a significant impact on your employees’ mental health and well-being. Read on for an exclusive preview of his session.
ACN: What is your background on your session’s subject? What excites you most about being in this field?
Justin Goodman (JG): My background is deeply rooted in the intersection of my management of an agency, my work as the CEO of Total CSR and our education programs, and now my mental health advocacy through Project 55. Over the past 20 years, it has become all too apparent that agencies struggle to meet the mental health challenges of their team members. I am a certified mental health first aid trainer, which has allowed me to see firsthand the significant impact that a few strategic changes in the agency can have on the mental health of the team. What excites me most about this field is witnessing how these changes can dramatically improve individuals' mental health and overall well-being in a workplace setting.
ACN: What can attendees look forward to during your session?
JG: Attendees can look forward to a session that teaches them to recognize the signs of mental health issues, provide initial help and guide those affected toward professional support. This session will also offer practical strategies, proven tactics and innovative tools that can be immediately implemented within their agencies. The focus will be on making a real and swift impact on mental health practices. Attendees will be equipped with actionable insights and easy-to-adopt methods that will help them foster a healthier work environment. They will also gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources and a community they can plug into to support their efforts.
ACN: Is there a particular topic in your session you think is especially interesting?
JG: One topic I find particularly intriguing is understanding why people often do not utilize the mental health resources available, even when they are readily accessible. Over 55% of individuals struggling with mental health are currently going without treatment. This aspect of human behavior fascinates me because it sheds light on the psychological and social barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. During the session, I will explore this topic and the reasons behind this reluctance. Watching the ‘aha’ moments when attendees finally grasp how a small change can lead to significant improvements is incredibly rewarding. It highlights the importance of addressing these barriers and making mental health resources more approachable and user-friendly.
ACN: What is a highlight or two you hope attendees will take away from your session?
JG: I hope attendees will take away two key highlights from my session. Firstly, they will learn how, with minimal training, they can make a significant difference in the mental health outcomes of their coworkers. This training empowers them to become proactive advocates for mental health within their agencies. Secondly, they will understand how to prevent most mental health struggles from escalating into full-blown crises. By recognizing early signs and implementing preventive measures, they can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being and reduces the incidence of severe mental health issues. There is so much help available, but uncertainty of where to look and the social stigma associated with mental health struggles continue to hold those in need back.
Register today for Applied Net, taking place Sept. 9-12.
Justin Goodman is the CEO of Total CSR. He has trained over 50,000 customer service representatives (CSRs), account managers and producers and is considered the go-to authority for insurance onboarding and training. He was previously named to Insurance Business Magazine's Hot 100 and one of the 2024 Insurance Journal Agents of the Year. Justin's recent efforts surround the launch of Project 55, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community that empowers individuals and insurance organizations to improve mental health outcomes in the workplace.