Letter from the Editor: Building Stronger Workplaces Through Awareness and Action

May 2026 Edition

As we move into May, we are reminded of an important and often deeply personal topic that affects every workplace—mental health.

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of mental health, promote wellness, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to reflect and to act with intention as leaders, colleagues, and human resources professionals.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environments, the lines between personal and professional challenges are often blurred. Employees are navigating more than deadlines and deliverables—they are balancing stress, uncertainty, family responsibilities, and their overall well-being. As HR professionals, we are uniquely positioned to influence how organizations respond to these realities.

Creating a culture that supports mental health goes beyond offering an Employee Assistance Program or sending a company-wide email. It requires consistent, visible leadership, open communication, and a genuine commitment to psychological safety. It means training managers to recognize signs of burnout, encouraging conversations without stigma, and ensuring policies reflect flexibility and understanding.

This month serves as a reminder that mental health is not a one-time initiative—it is an ongoing commitment. When organizations prioritize well-being, they don’t just support their employees—they strengthen engagement, retention, and overall performance.

As you read this issue, I encourage you to consider how your organization is showing up for its people. Small changes can have a meaningful impact. Whether it’s checking in with your team, evaluating your benefits offerings, or fostering a more open dialogue, every step forward matters.

Together, we can build workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered—not just in May, but every month of the year.

Warm regards,

Alan Bernstein, SHRM-SCP
Council Secretary, SHRM Florida State Council

Alan serves on the Executive Committee of SHRM Florida State Council as Council Secretary. He is a Board Member of LEAD Brevard, past president of the Space Coast Human Resources Association, and teaches the HR Certification preparation class for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP at Eastern Florida State College. Additionally, he has been voted Best Consultant on the Space Coast, HR Florida Volunteer of the Year, and Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Alan is active with his local community and provides free resume writing and job search seminars to local non-profits virtually and in-person.