NATIONAL GUARD August 2023

CONTACT US

For more information on workplace wellness or other wellness topics, email 

us at: ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.integrated-prevention-branch@army.mil

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE your Service members to participate in the 

Force-Wide Climate Assessment and adopt at least one of the 

recommended resources this month to reduce workplace stress

Every Voice Matters

The National Guard is supporting 

the DoD-directed Force-Wide 

Climate Assessment by ensuring 

units conduct an annual Defense 

Organizational Climate Survey 

(DEOCS) to obtain an in-depth 

understanding of command culture. 

The Workplace and Gender Relations 

(WGR) Survey is also underway to 

estimate the prevalence of sexual 

assault, sexual harassment, and 

gender discrimination in the military. 

National Guard members are 

strongly encouraged to participate.

Why should Service members 

participate?

Insights from the DEOCS will inform 

the development of a Comprehensive 

Integrated Primary Prevention Plan 

that reduces harmful behaviors 

among Service members. Findings 

from the WGR will inform policies and 

programs that better protect Service 

members from assault, harassment, 

and discrimination in the workplace.

When will the surveys be 

conducted?

Per DoDI 6400.11, the DEOCS fielding 

window is open once per year 

between August 1 and November 

30. Surveys must be initiated no 

later than October 31 to meet the 

November 30 deadline. The WGR, 

which is a biennial survey, is being 

fielded during the 2023 DEOCS 

window. 

How can Service members 

participate?

Service members will receive an 

email from the DEOCS system 

inviting them to participate in the 

confidential survey. All Service 

members are encouraged to visit 

www.DoDsurveys.mil to participate 

in a general WGR. A select number 

of Service members will be invited to 

participate in a more detailed WGR.

When will the survey results be 

released?

Results of the Force-Wide Climate 

Assessment will be available January 

31, 2024. 

2023 FORCE-WIDE WORKPLACE WELLNESS CLIMATE ASSESSMENT

 Blood Pressure

 Headaches

 Physical Injury

 Immune System

 Anxiety

 Depression

 Job Satisfaction

 Sense of Purpose

 Performance

 Tobacco Use

 Alcohol Misuse

 Substance Abuse

Body

WORK STRESS DECREASES RESILIENCE

Mind Behavior

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

• Workplace difficulties were cited in 11.9% of National Guard 

suicides and 17.5% of suicide attempts1

• 84% of U.S. workers reported that their workplace conditions 

had contributed to at least one mental health challenge2

• 81% of U.S. workers said that they will be looking for 

workplaces that support mental health in the future3
What does it mean?

• A positive workplace environment encourages healthy behaviors and 

reduces the risk of harm.

Why does it matter?

• Workplace stress can negatively impact the mental and physical health of 

Service members, as well as Force-wide recruitment and retention efforts. 

What can you do?

• Create a healthy and supportive climate that promotes help-seeking behaviors.

• Encourage participation in the DEOCS and WGR and provide Service 

members with time to complete the surveys during working hours.

• Remind Service members that their voice matters and results of the surveys 

will inform prevention activities to better protect the Force. 

• Share survey results and actionable next steps with Service members.

• Talk to Service members about how to spot signs of burnout and 

recommend the tips and resources to improve mental and physical health.

• Conduct a self-review to ensure your leadership style supports a positive 

work environment and encourages diversity and inclusion among your ranks.

WORKPLACE WELLNESS FOR THE WIN

The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

REFERENCES:

1. DoD Annual Report on Suicide in the Military 2021 www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/2022 ASR/Annual Report on Suicide in the 

Military CY 2021 with CY21 DoDSER (1).pdf?ver=tat8FRrUhH2IlndFrCGbsA%3d%3d

2. Mind Share Partners’ 2021 Mental Health at Work Report www.mindsharepartners.org/mentalhealthatworkreport-2021

3. American Psychological Association’s 2022 Work and Well-being Survey www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being

4. Optimize Your Performance to Prevent Burnout https://www.hprc-online.org/total-force-fitness/tff-strategies/optimize-yourperformance-prevent-burnout

SPOTLIGHT: CONNECTEDNESS AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION (CARE)

• A national program that builds trust through connectedness and relationship skills training.

• The 5-part program increases relational awareness, builds trust between leaders and subordinates, and facilitates unit 

cohesion.

• Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers are trained to recognize and mitigate harmful behaviors early to help develop ready 

and resilient Service members.

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.ngb-j1-partnerships@army.mil

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

A collection of audio mindfulness exercises to minimize stress. 

Available free on Google Play, the App Store, and Military OneSource. 

www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/mobile-apps/de-stress-andrelax-with-chill-drills-by-military-onesource

Tips for managing work-life balance in the military. 

https://www.hprc-online.org/social-fitness/teams-leadership/worklife-balance-military

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health 

and Well-Being. 

https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-wellbeing/index.html

The World Health Organization 

classified “burnout” as a syndrome 

related to chronic workplace stress. 

Symptoms include fatigue, lack of 

motivation, negativism, and reduced 

productivty. Follow these tips to 

reduce burnout and improve health4:

• Get regular exercise. The brain 

releases chemicals during exercise 

that protect the body against 

stress.

• Optimize nutritional fitness. *

Nutrient-dense foods promote 

a healthy gut, which fuels 

performance and improves mental 

health.

• Practice mindful meditation. 

Concentrating on the present and 

disconnecting from past stress 

enhances well-being.

• Focus on gratitude. Being thankful 

increases positivity, which builds 

resilience and reduces stress.

• Foster healthy relationships. *

Connections give us purpose 

and form a protective buffer that 

reduces the risk of harm.

• Maintain good sleep habits. *

Quality sleep manages stress, 

controls emotions, and sharpens 

mental readiness.

*

 Check out previous Holistic 

Wellness Challenges for more 

information on select topics at: 

www.nationalguard.mil/Resources/

Holistic-Wellness-Challenge

TIPS FOR AVOIDING 

BURNOUT