Hiawatha Business Summit focuses on mental health in the workplace

HIAWATHA, Iowa (KCRG) – The Hiawatha Business Summit is a triannual conference where local business leaders can discuss industry issues and the best way to move forward.

The meeting held on Tuesday will focus on mental health and encourages guests to ask questions to learn how to handle these concerns.

The meeting is hosted by the Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha and has no available reservations, which organizers say is encouraging.

“We probably hit a nerve,” Liz Mathis, head coordinator for HEDCO, said. “They’re interested in this, and they’re interested in learning more about it.”

The group wants to help leaders address these concerns in a healthy way. They’re also working to be able to recognize when employees are struggling.

”You want to make sure that you address that in a humanistic way,” Mathis, said.

The panel discussion will be held with both a legal and mental health expert and will include a questions and answers section.

Organizers hope local business owners can learn a new way to help employees who may be struggling.

“How do you handle that?” Mathis said. “I hope they take away new information and a better understanding about mental health in the workplace.”

With no reservations available, there will be a recording of Tuesday’s meeting uploaded to the HEDCO Facebook page.

Mathis says the next session will be in August, with a focus on AI. Those interested in attending should keep an eye on the HEDCO website.

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