Life at Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Week

May 22, 2024

Bio-Rad recently held a weeklong series of events to recognize Mental Health Awareness Week, observed during Mental Health Awareness Month each May. Leveraging the 2024 theme, “Movement: moving more for our mental health”, employees walked together outside, learned about the mind-boosting power of movement from mind-body experts, and heard Bio-Rad leaders discuss the importance of prioritizing our mental health.   

Employees were also encouraged to "Be Seen in Green" during the week and submit a picture as part of a giveaway. If you're wondering why, green is the international symbol for mental health awareness! Some of the pictures received are shown throughout this article.   

Interview with our Mental Health Employee Resource Group (ERG)

For the last three years, Mental Health Awareness Week events have been planned and organized by Bio-Rad's Mental Health Employee Resource Group (ERG), which promotes employee wellbeing at Bio-Rad. To learn more about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week and creating a culture of support and acceptance, we spoke with Lindsay Schwartz, an HR Business Partner for Bio-Rad who co-leads the Mental Health ERG.   

Why is it important for Bio-Rad to recognize Mental Health Awareness Week and to engage employees through these events?  
Bio-Rad’s mission is to advance science and save lives, together. What better way to live our values than to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our employees. By engaging in events throughout the week we can help raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote a culture of openness and support.  

Our Life Science PMO CSST Team taking on the "Be Seen in Green" Challenge! 

What other things does Bio-Rad's Mental Health ERG do for Bio-Rad employees? 
The goal of our ERG is to promote employee wellbeing and to create a safe community where employees can come together to reduce the stigma of mental health, raise awareness, create a culture of acceptance, provide resources and support one another. We engage in panel discussions and educational opportunities often and bring awareness to an abundance of resources. 

Are there any external resources that you'd recommend to those reading?  
My top three most helpful external resources are: 

Mental Health America  
Why I love it: they offer an annual toolkit with a calendar of activities to do throughout the month. Not only do they offer resources to help others and yourself but they provide helpful tools such as building your coping toolbox and things to say when you're not fine. It also provides resources for those supporting people who are experiencing mental health conditions.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
Why I love it: they have great podcasts and webinars, as well as good descriptors of mental health conditions. 

Born this Way Foundation 
Why I love it: Lots of resources to find support and involvement. They also offer a “Be There Certificate” which allows you to get a deeper understanding of mental health and get involved in supporting others. This one is a great resources for teens. 

What is one takeaway from this week that you would give to people who may be going through mental health struggles or just want to better prioritize their mental health?  
The one takeaway I would love everyone to walk away with this month is, “You are not alone!” There is a community of support out there who are kind, helpful and offer a listening ear. Call them! You deserve support in your mental health journey. 

Want to work in a supportive culture? View our open roles today.