In episode 36, Coffey talks with psychiatrist Brian Dixon about the pandemic’s ongoing impact on employee mental health. They discuss the difference between a family doctor, a psychiatrist, and psychologist, and a bartender; medical practice entrepreneurship choices; the surprising benefits of delivering psychological services over the internet; the psychological impact of the pandemic’s prolonged disruption of society; the different definitions of trauma; how individuals respond to trauma; how to recognize emotional fatigue in employees’ behavior; how mental health is affecting employee turnover trends; the mistaken belief that work should be the source of personal meaning; how leaders can identify and respond to employee’s psychological needs; the surprising “canaries in the coal mine” that employers should seek out to measure workplace health; and the negative impact of sedentary work on mental health. Along the way, the conversation jumps the rails and they argue about the social value of employers who hire low-skill labor and a couple other “get out your pitchfork” topics.

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About our Guest:

Brian J. Dixon, MD is a psychiatrist and entrepreneur who owns Mindful, a direct care psychiatry practice in Fort Worth, TX.

Dr. Brian Dixon can be reached at https://www.findmindful.com.

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative is included in the prestigious Best Places to Work in Texas list and has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define psychological trauma.
2. Recognize psychological trauma and fatigue in the workplace.
3. Respond effectively to employees’ mental health concerns.