October 2023 Luncheon: “Latest Perspectives on Mental Health”

+ Thank you to those who attended the luncheon!
Have a look at our article to find out what was discussed!

We are pleased to invite you to our October Luncheon with Professor Mitsuhiro Sado (Keio University Health Center) and Ms. Cynthia Hansen (Innovation Foundation, Empowered by the Adecco Group), who will present different perspectives on the theme of mental health.

Having already defined mental health as a focus area back in 2021, the SCCIJ seeks to contrast the latest insights/perspectives on mental health of both the clinical and corporate approaches. For that purpose, the SCCIJ is proud to feature presentations by two eminent speakers for its October Luncheon:

"Mental Health: Epidemiology and Psychosocial Intervention"

According to Prof. Mitsuhiro Sado, Director at the Keio University Mindfulness & Stress Research Center (link), it is imperative that we address not only physical health but also mental well-being. In his presentation for the SCCIJ, he will delve into the epidemiology and societal ramifications of mental health disorders, and explore common interventions for conditions like depression and anxiety, with a specific emphasis on psychosocial treatments. However, enhancing the mental health and overall well-being of society requires more than just treating individuals who seek help at hospitals. As a result, Prof. Sado will also introduce the concept of an “occupational mental health approach”, which targets the entire workforce within their workplace, and provide an overview an overview of mindfulness research aimed at benefiting employees in corporate settings.

"Mental Health and Work: The Importance of Looking Outside the Mainstream"

In the rapidly changing environment of how, where, and why we work, it is crucial to consider four complementary dimensions of health and wellbeing: physical, mental, social, and purpose. These comprise the Workforce Vitality model, developed in the Innovation Foundation – a Social Innovation Lab. Of these dimensions, mental health is often neglected and actually has a far-reaching impact on one’s ability to work. While much attention has been paid to mental health challenges in a mainstream work setting, it is important to consider the mental health impact of job loss or difficulty re-entering work which many people face. Using examples from the Innovation Foundation’s work with underserved populations, including youth, women, and 55+, Ms. Cynthia Hansen, Managing Director at the Innovation Foundation – Empowered by the Adecco Group (link), will explore which areas of mental health are often affected and some of the solutions that are emerging to help people to better cope and improve their employment prospects.

Biographies of the Speaker:

Professor Mitsuhiro Sado is a psychiatrist and Professor at Keio University Health Center. He is also a director of Keio University Mindfulness & Stress Research Center. Prof. Sado’s clinical practice and research in recent years have mainly been in the areas of mindfulness, well-being, occupational mental health, and long-term care – much of it with a particular focus on psychological and economic issues – and always have the aim of helping patients, workers, and general public improve their well-being and improving the quality of treatment or care practice. He has been the principal researcher at about 10 research projects funded by the government such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economy, and the Japan Agency of Medical Research and Development. He holds a Master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing at the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

With a career spanning business, civil society, and public-private partnership, Ms. Cynthia Hansen is an experienced executive specializing in driving and scaling social impact. Ms. Hansen joined the Adecco Group in 2017 to establish the company’s first global foundation, The Innovation Foundation, which operates as a social innovation lab focused on increasing the employability of underserved populations. Her areas of expertise include social impact, strategy, change management, and partnerships. Prior to joining the Adecco Group, Ms. Hansen held senior positions at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Action Planning, World Affairs Council of Washington State and Amity Institute. Ms. Hansen has served on corporate and non-profit boards and advisory bodies, as well as advising start-up ventures. She holds an MSc in Management of NGOs from the London School of Economics and a double BA (Hons) in Asian Studies and English/Literature from the University of Puget Sound. Ms. Hansen was a Global Leadership Fellow of the WEF.

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