We live in a culture that values work and often defines us by what we do for a living. The money we earn, the status and possessions we attain, and what we produce at our jobs all contribute to how we view ourselves, and how we are viewed by the world. Too often, these pursuits have not left room for self-care or balanced living. As a society, we have not paid enough attention to mental health in the workplace.
Our third digital issue, The Work-Life Issue, surveys the landscape of the modern American workplace to shed light on where we've fallen short in supporting our employees, co-workers, and ourselves. We also aim to bring attention to the mental health strategies that can have a positive effect on wellness from corporate workers to the self-employed and everyone in between. Our cover star, award-winning actress Chrissy Metz, is helping us tell that story.
Metz, who worked 70 hour weeks as an agent before landing a leading role on "This Is Us," knows a thing or two about how difficult it is to find balance in a demanding industry. Her commitment to daily self-care is an example that anyone can follow, and is a message that speaks to the need to provide everyone with the time and space to create a healthy work-life balance. While we can help ourselves, we also need the support of those around us—including those who rely on our productivity as workers.