During the Mental Health & Well-Being Summit, presenter Lennie Knowlton, CMHC, CDWF, Founder and Executive Director of Project Connection, emphasized the importance of individuals finding purpose in their specific roles at their organizations to enhance both the workforce and the broader community.
“Mental health is more than just therapy,” Knowlton began, emphasizing that it’s about cultivating environments where people feel safe, supported and valued. She highlighted the need for workplaces to create spaces that foster well-being on a deeper level than traditional interventions alone. As humans, we can all feel disconnected or stuck every once in a while, whether it be in our personal or work lives. Still, when we feel secure in our roles, it fuels creativity, curiosity, empathy, honesty and overall success.
Knowlton further shared that mental health must be a collective effort, where everyone is not only supported but also recognized for their unique contribution to the workplace. Shifting our perspective means focusing on creating spaces that foster connection and well-being, where each person feels genuinely valued in their specific role. When workplaces prioritize this, employees are more likely to thrive and reach their full potential.
The way to understand mental health is by understanding the human connection and how essential it is for thriving as Knowlton said, “Just as bees need a hive, humans need a tribe.” In the workplace, this means that employees must find purpose and belonging, knowing their contributions matter. She defines connection as “The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment and when they drive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” When employees feel connected, they can thrive and contribute to the organization’s success. The recipe for workplace wellness is connecting with others around something meaningful and having a role that gives back.
Knowlton emphasized that while challenges are a natural part of life, getting “stuck” can lead to feelings of negativity and despair. When individuals are stuck, they may lose sight of their purpose and value. She stressed that by helping employees find their flow — engaging them in work that excites and challenges them — they reconnect with their sense of purpose and passion. Which not only boosts individual well-being but also benefits the organization as a whole. Creating an environment where employees are engaged in meaningful work fosters both mental health and overall workplace wellness, creating a cycle of growth and success for both the individual and the company.
About the Presenter:
Lennie Knowlton, CMHC, CDWF is the Founder and Executive Director of Project Connection. Lennie is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience working with trauma, anxiety and relationship issues in the community. She has a strong belief that people do better when they are connected in meaningful ways and founded Project Connection with the commitment to providing evidence-based mental health care while providing the connection and community required to achieve optimum wellness.
About the 2024 Mental Health & Well-Being Summit:
The Utah Community Builder’s Mental Health & Well-Being Summit, sponsored by the Cambia Health Foundation, was held on November 7, 2024. Utah Community Builders, is a program of the nonprofit foundation of the Salt Lake Chamber. Utah Community Builders engages business leaders to address pressing community issues and to develop and strengthen Utah’s workforce. We harness the innovation and efficiency of the private sector to drive real progress on community issues affecting our businesses, workforce, families and all Utahns.
