Promoting Mental Health through Art: Credit Suisse's Innovative Approach

In a proactive move to prioritize the mental well-being of its employees, Credit Suisse embarked on a series of Online Art Therapy Workshops from November to December 2021. Partnering with Art for Good, these workshops aimed not only to foster self-care and stress management skills but also to strengthen resilience and team bonds among participants. There were a total of seven workshops ranging from workshops in self-care for employees, coping with stress in the workplace, resilience, and team bonding (to promote better relationships).

Our Founder-Artist Amanda Chen is showing the families how to make a snowflake-shaped paper cutout.

A Collaborative Effort

Credit Suisse collaborated with Art for Good to facilitate these workshops, recognizing the importance of mental health in maintaining a productive workforce. The workshops were structured to cover a variety of themes crucial to mental well-being, such as self-care strategies, coping with workplace stress, resilience building, and enhancing team dynamics.

Inclusive Christmas Workshop

One event that stood out within this series was the Christmas-themed workshop, where participants had the unique opportunity to engage with beneficiaries from the Rare Disorders Society of Singapore (RDSS). This session not only encompassed festive crafts, but also served as a poignant reminder of gratitude and resilience. Participants joined RDSS beneficiaries in creating Christmas cards and intricate snowflake cutouts, all while reflecting on the theme of gratitude and the joy of giving.

Impact and Insights

The workshops proved to be an eye-opening experience for Credit Suisse employees. Witnessing the resilience of children with rare disorders actively participating in the art-making process despite challenges, left a profound impression on the participants. Simple activities like crafting became profound exercises in perseverance and joy, demonstrating the power of art therapy in promoting mental wellness.

Adaptation and Success Amidst Challenges

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the workshops successfully transitioned to an online format via Zoom. This adaptation ensured that the initiative could continue reaching both corporate participants and vulnerable communities like RDSS beneficiaries. Drawing from past successes, such as engagements with YouthCorps, the organizers remained steadfast in their mission to promote self-care and mental well-being, undeterred by external circumstances.

Looking Ahead

As the world navigates ongoing uncertainties, initiatives like Credit Suisse's Mental Health Workshops serve as a beacon of hope and resilience. By prioritizing mental wellness through innovative approaches like art therapy, organizations not only support their employees' well-being but also foster a culture of empathy and inclusion.

Credit Suisse's engagement in Online Art Therapy Workshops underscores an admirable commitment to holistic employee care and community outreach. By embracing the transformative power of art and mental health awareness, they set a precedent for corporate responsibility and compassion in challenging times.

If you are interested in meaningful collaborations and art workshops like these, please email us at hello@artforgood.sg.

We look forward to collaborating with you!