Creating a Healthy Workplace Through Inclusion and Community
May is a significant month as it marks both Asian American – Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. These two observances may seem unrelated, but they are strongly intertwined. Research has shown that Asian Americans are 50% less likely to seek mental health assistance compared to the general population, according to Dr. Brandon Ito, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UCLA.
There are various race-based issues that impact the AAPI communities in the United States. The Perpetual Foreigner stereotype, experienced trauma among first-generation immigrants, religious intolerance, and family expectations are just a few examples. Cultural factors, such as the emphasis on family privacy and the stigma surrounding mental health, often discourage individuals from seeking the help they need.
Furthermore, the lack of mental health practitioners who understand the AAPI community's unique cultural perspectives and sensitivities poses significant challenges.
Recognizing and understanding these cultural nuances is essential for allies, colleagues, and employers who wish to contribute to a healthy workplace environment for all. We had an opportunity to connect with Vinima Shekhar, VP Merchandising, Wellness at Walmart, a South Asian American and immigrant to the United States, who is actively involved in prioritizing health and wellness in her personal life, community, and workplace.
Vinima highlights the value of Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) at Walmart, which is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every associate feels welcome, comfortable, and safe. ARGs create opportunities to celebrate the diversity, unique traditions, and experiences of different populations, fostering a sense of well-being and community. As someone who immigrated to the United States and faced the challenges of building a network, Vinima recognizes how ARGs can provide vital support, both personally and professionally.
Vinima describes her career path as a dream, never imagining the opportunities she has been given. Born in India, raised in the Caribbean and now living in the U.S. for 20 years, Vinima describes herself as Indo-Trini-American. She grew up in very humble settings as she and her immigrant parents tried to pave a new life in the U.S. “What people may not realize is that when you’re a minority or an immigrant, you often don’t have a strong network,” she says. “I had to figure a lot on my own. I didn’t have family or a big friend network here to teach me ways of working, how to navigate everyday life and how to blend into the culture.” She is determined to help create those opportunities for other women and believes that the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is opening up more chances for this. “I’m seeing more diversity, and it is so inspiring,” notes Vinima. “Even when we started WISE twelve years ago (Vinima was a member of the WISE founding board), there were hardly any women at PLMA and you rarely saw any women of color. Having the opportunity to bring other women along the journey is so incredibly rewarding.” She also emphasizes the importance of having visible Asian leaders within organizations to motivate and inspire others from similar backgrounds.
Recognizing specific months for diversity and inclusion is important and gives us key moments to pause and reflect. Vinima also advocates for celebrating diversity every day. In our fast-paced lives, she encourages creating intentional moments to appreciate and acknowledge the diversity of thought and the growing population around us.