Surfing Uncertainty: How GT Approaches Mental Well-Being at Work
- info329524
- May 23
- 3 min read
In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable — from war and economic instability to the rapid evolution of AI — mental well-being isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a core competency.
At GT, where we work across borders, time zones, and disciplines, we know that resilience isn’t built by accident. This May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we decided to slow down, look inward, and have an honest conversation about how we manage uncertainty — together.
🌍 The global Mental Health landscape
We’re not alone in navigating change. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression cost the global economy $1 trillion every year in lost productivity.
Closer to the workplace:
83% of professionals say work stress affects their personal relationships
77% of professionals say they have experienced burnout at their current job, and over half said that burnout has affected their productivity
Yet only 39% of employees feel comfortable discussing mental health at work (source)
These numbers aren’t just data points — they’re a call to action. At GT, we believe companies have a responsibility to create environments where people can thrive, not just cope. Where mental health isn't an afterthought, but an integral part of how we work.
🧠 Mental Health as a core competency
Mental Health Awareness Month gave us a moment to pause and reflect — not just on how we feel, but how we function. As individuals, teammates, and leaders. Across internal conversations and shared moments, one idea kept surfacing:
mental health isn’t separate from work — it shapes how we show up.
Here’s what we reminded ourselves:
Mental health is not binary — it’s a spectrum. You can be performing well on the surface while still silently struggling.
Emotional literacy is a skill — and like any skill, it takes practice. Learning to name what you feel is the first step to processing it.
Values are a powerful compass — in a fast-moving industry, reconnecting with what truly matters helps us stay grounded.
Rest is part of the system — not something you earn only after burnout. Small resets, meaningful breaks, and space to breathe make all the difference.
Rather than powering through or glossing over stress, we used this month to recognize complexity — and to remind ourselves that mental well-being isn’t an extra. It’s the foundation of doing meaningful, high-quality work.
💼 How companies can support their People
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great reminder — but support shouldn’t be seasonal. According to NAMI, here are five high-impact ways companies can support employee well-being:
☑ Flexible schedules and workload adjustments
☑ Access to mental health resources or therapy
☑ Psychological safety: a culture where it’s okay to speak up
☑ Manager training on recognizing and addressing stress
☑ Promoting physical health and regular recovery time
At GT, we’re actively working to check all those boxes — and expand on them.
Here's how we turn care into practice:
🧠 Mental health allowance — covering therapy and psychological support;
🏋️ Gym & wellness allowance — because movement matters;
🔥 Burnout prevention — regular check-ins with People Partners and managers;
📚 Self-development events — learning sessions and workshops to support growth;
🤝 Supportive leadership — managers who lead with empathy;
Small things, big impact — and always evolving.
Mental health is not a checkbox — it’s something we strive to embed into how we work, lead, and grow. That means:
Open dialogue: Encouraging conversations that destigmatize and normalize mental health topics.
Flexible work: Allowing team members to manage their time and energy in ways that work for them.
Caring corporate culture: Sharing tools, resources, and safe spaces to help our team navigate uncertainty with confidence.
🌍 Global Team, Shared Humanity
We’re an international company. And while we span continents, disciplines, and cultures, some things are universal — including the need for care, rest, and resilience.
The past few years have taught us just how fragile — and how powerful — our sense of balance can be. But with the right mindset, the right support, and the right people around us, we believe we can do more than endure uncertainty. We can surf it.
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