Prioritizing employee well-being: inside Amazon’s Mental Health and Well-being affinity group

Recognizing the holistic connection between mental health and overall well-being, Amazon’s employee-led Mental Health and Well-being (MHW) affinity group focuses on helping Amazon and AWS employees around the world prioritize mental health and well-being at work.

Amazon's affinity group aims to positively impact and improve employee well-being through a multifaceted approach. To gain insights into the origins, activities, and impact of this program, we spoke with Julie Liveris, an AWS financial services senior account manager and co-director of partnerships for the Mental Health and Well-being (MHW) affinity group, and Anasuya Strasner, director of North America digital native business at AWS and director of MHW chapters and membership.

As global board members, Julie and Anasuya shed light on how the affinity group promotes mental health awareness, provides support resources, and fosters a culture of openness and understanding within the company. Through initiatives such as educational workshops, promoting Amazonian-led communities of support, and bringing attention to resources that support employees and their families, the MHW affinity group empowers employees to prioritize their well-being, seek help when needed, and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

Julie: Our mission is to promote employee well-being by creating a safe, inclusive, and global community where Amazonians come together to reduce the stigma of mental health, raise awareness, promote a culture of acceptance, and support one another. We were formed in March of 2020 by a group of passionate Amazonians.  

Julie: We advocate for employees to be in community with one another by joining one of our 150 chapters globally, becoming a part of our Slack community (with more than 8,000 members), and joining our mailing list. We invite employees to take part in the programming that we offer such as the “Living With” series, which has included topics such as living with anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), cancer, postpartum depression, disabilities, and many others. We’ve hosted events attended by tens of thousands of Amazonians spanning 47 countries and 485 global locations. These events enable employees to feel connected, seen, and heard.  

Julie: Mental well-being and work are intertwined. According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress is a leading cause of overall stress for American adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists a variety of factors that are a challenge in the workplace such as conflicting home/work demands, workloads, job insecurity, or an unclear job role. Work that provides a livelihood, purpose, positive relationships, and structure can promote good mental health, while safe and healthy work environments minimize conflicts and improve productivity.

Julie: We work together to educate employees about their mental health benefits and the resources available to support employees and their families. We provide joint programming around important topics, such as an upcoming fireside chat focusing on “How work-life balance impacts your mental health.”

Anasuya: We work together to foster, promote, and evangelize opportunities for employees to connect with each other, de-mystify mental health topics, and engage employees in a way that promotes healthy working relationships that strengthen connections.

Julie: Employees are encouraged to show up as their whole selves, creating a culture of acceptance and openness. Leaders and managers are trained in mental health and well-being topics, as well as active/empathetic listening, which empowers them to support their teams with compassion and understanding.  

Julie: MHW promotes conversation along with inclusion and transparency. This culture has enabled things such as the Recovery at Amazon group, which is an employee resource group for Amazon employees who have a substance abuse disorder or are in recovery.  

Julie: I knew that Learn and Be Curious was an Amazon Leadership Principle, but I underestimated how much I would be doing this every day. You absolutely must have a hunger for learning and a passion for curiosity to work here, and it is a gift to be supported in my learning journey and quest for trying new things.

Anasuya: Amazon offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I've learned the importance of thoughtful prioritization. While there are countless avenues to explore, the key is to focus on the initiatives that align with our chosen missions and priorities. The Mental Health and Well-being affinity group plays a vital role in supporting us as we navigate this journey. They provide valuable resources, programming, and a sense of community that empowers us to prioritize our mental well-being while pursuing our goals. It's a continuous learning process but having this dedicated support system makes it an enriching experience.
 

Julie: The MHW affinity group is for everyone. Mental health is more than the absence of mental health conditions, it is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, to realize their abilities, and to learn well and work well.

Anasuya: I would encourage everyone to get involved and take advantage of the resources and supportive community offered by the MHW affinity group.  

Julie: At AWS, you have the ability and opportunity to architect your career path. You can build up your knowledge, skills, experience, and brand by pursuing interests outside of your “day job,” such as public speaking or being a leader in an affinity group.

Anasuya: At AWS, you can create your own path. There are opportunities everywhere for every skill, interest, or person. It’s up to you to go find and build it!

Driven by passionate employees who recognize the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace, MHW aims to create a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue around mental health. The group’s efforts demonstrate the power of community and shared commitment, serving as a valuable employee resource for Amazonians seeking support, understanding, and a culture of acceptance around mental health topics.