The KonTerra Group

This month over on KonTerra Resilience we’re riding that New Year’s Resolution wave and posting a four-part series on ways we can help ourselves make healthy self-care #habits (and break habits that aren’t serving us well.) But habits aren’t just about WHAT we do. They’re about WHY we do it. At The KonTerra Group, we believe that our #values should serve as a compass, guiding us toward the habits that truly matter in both work and life. One of KonTerra’s core company values is #BALANCE, and it’s a value that deeply influences the habits we encourage our staff and clients to cultivate. Balance isn’t about a state of zen perfection or passive stillness; it’s about intentionally devoting time and energy to a variety of important priorities in our lives. As it relates to work, balance reminds us not just to prioritize productivity and output, but also make space for rest, reflection, and relationships. For instance, cultivating the habit of setting some boundaries around work—such as disconnecting from email at the end of the day—can allow us to recharge and show up fully present for friends and family (and consequently, for colleagues again the next day). Similarly, prioritizing habits like taking mindful breaks or scheduling personal time ensures that balance becomes not just a value we believe in, but a practice we live by. When we embrace balance in ways that work well for us, we’re better able to sustain our energy, creativity, and focus over the long term in ways that serve both our professional and personal selves. What’s one habit you’ve built to support #balance in your life? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas! And stay tuned over the next couple of months as we explore how values like #trust, #collaboration, #inclusion, and #ingenuity can inspire personal and professional habits that truly matter.

💫 ⭐ Showcasing our most popular and shared resources of 2024! ⭐ 💫 The KonTerra Group exists to help create a world where organizations and their people have what they need to flourish and be #resilient while addressing the world’s most complex problems. As part of that, we devote some of our collective energy and expertise to creating free-to-share #resources for those in high-stress roles. From coping with #grief and #anxiety to managing #stress in #conflict zones, this year we provided a variety of practical tools for those working in high-stress and challenging environments—#humanitarianworkers, first responders, and other professionals navigating high-stress work. Which resources were the most visited, downloaded, and shared? Find the full list in the article below.

On this Human Rights Day, we honor the universal principles that uphold dignity, justice, and equality for all. Today, we also reaffirm something we believe here at The KonTerra Group: #humanitarianworkers and others in extreme professions have a #right to the support they need to sustain their #wellbeing and #resilience. We believe that those who care for the world deserve to be cared for themselves. When organizations invest in the mental health and resilience of their staff by providing counseling and specialist training, and taking other actions to create a supportive organizational and team culture, they not only protect their individual staff—they strengthen their teams, create a culture of shared vision and sustainable striving, and better serve communities. Today, we celebrate the critical contributions of humanitarian workers and commit to advocating for their right to the support systems they need to thrive. Because a healthier, more resilient workforce helps create a healthier, more just world. #HumanRightsDay #Wellbeing #HumanitarianWork #Resilience #MentalHealth #SupportServices

💙🌍 Celebrating the Power of #Volunteering on International Volunteer Day 🌍💙 Today, we honor the countless individuals who generously give their time, energy, and expertise to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteering is more than an act of service—it’s a force for connection, compassion, and change. When we volunteer for causes we believe in, we not only uplift others but also nurture our own wellbeing. Research shows that volunteering can improve mental health, reduce stress, and provide a profound sense of purpose. It connects us to our communities and reminds us of the impact we can have when we work together. For those in the humanitarian and nonprofit sectors, volunteers are the backbone of many efforts to create lasting change. Your dedication fuels hope, strengthens communities, and inspires action across the globe. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate you. Whether you’re mentoring, delivering vital services, or advocating for change, your contributions matter. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. #InternationalVolunteerDay #Volunteering #Community #Service #Resilience #Gratitude

In our work providing #psychologicalsupport to humanitarian aid workers and others in high-stress roles, we know that #trust isn’t built overnight. It grows through reliability, honesty, and respect—qualities at the core of everything we do. But trust also flourishes best when people feel deeply understood. And at the heart of understanding is deep #listening. Deep listening is more than hearing someone’s words; it’s being present, attentive, and open to what they share—not just their stories but the emotions and experiences behind them. Deep listening is focused attention we give to others--attention that authentically communicates, “I see you. I hear you. You matter.” In the US, the day after Thanksgiving is National Listening Day (another "day of" that would do well to go global). Whether you are inside or outside the US, reflect this week on how you can support others and nurture trust by practicing deep listening with those around you. Whether it's with a colleague, a loved one, or a stranger, listening deeply creates #connection and strengthens the bonds that sustain us all. This National Listening Day, we invite you to embrace the power of listening. Who in your life could use the gift of your full attention this week? #NationalListeningDay #DeepListening #TrustAndWellbeing

Here at The KonTerra Group  we often hear the phrase "psychological safety." It’s something many teams strive for. It’s also foundational to employee wellbeing. But what does it really mean in practice? 🤔 Many assume #psychologicalsafety means feeling comfortable, and leaders often think that creating psychological safety mostly involves being “kind" or "nice”. In reality, it’s about creating a team environment where it’s OK to feel uncomfortable. It has much more to do with candid honesty than being nice. True psychological safety means feeling that you can: 💬 Offer honest input — even if it challenges leaders opinions or the status quo ❓ Ask questions without fear of judgment or backlash 🛑 Set realistic boundaries to protect your wellbeing and work sustainably Creating psychological safety is not about avoiding tough conversations or smoothing over disagreements. It’s about building a space where team members can be candid, take risks, and learn together—knowing that their contributions are valued and their voices will be heard. Is your team working to cultivate psychological safety? Join us in conversation on this. What’s one practice you’ve found helpful in creating a psychologically safe workplace? #PsychologicalSafety #TeamCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #Leadership 

✨ Happy World #Kindness Day! ✨ Today, let’s celebrate the power of small acts of kindness. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or practical help, showing patience in a stressful moment, or simply acknowledging a colleague’s hard work, kindness is a force that uplifts everyone it touches. In high-pressure environments—whether in humanitarian aid, corporate offices, or front-line response teams—acts of kindness are far more than just feel-good gestures. They foster #connection, build #trust, #buffer us from the impact of stress and negative emotions, and create the #psychologicalsafety that allows people to thrive. 💛 Take a moment today to check in on someone, express gratitude, or share a kind word. It’s often the simplest actions that have the most profound impact. #WorldKindnessDay #KindnessMatters #WellbeingAtWork #MentalHealthAwareness

As a US-based organization with a global focus and network, we want to encourage all US citizens to exercise their right to vote in this pivotal election. Casting your ballot is a meaningful way to stand up for the values and issues that matter most to you. It's a powerful way to make your voice heard and shape the future of your community and country. Every vote counts—let's make it matter.