More than 130 business and community leaders gathered Friday, October 9, at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC) at Sandhills Community College for the Moore County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Talent Symposium, “Leading with Employee Mental Health in Mind: Practical Strategies for Workplace Well-Being.”

The symposium brought together employers, human resource professionals, managers, educators, and workforce stakeholders for a timely discussion on the connection between employee mental health, effective leadership and organizational success.

Featuring Dr. Marie-Line Germain, Professor of Human Resources and Leadership at Western Carolina University, the program explored how leaders can better understand workplace mental health challenges and take practical steps to foster healthier, more supportive work environments. Germain is an award-winning author, researcher, and workplace consultant, as well as the host of the Dear Human Resources podcast.

Throughout the program, attendees gained insight into workplace well-being, psychosocial risks and the role leadership plays in shaping the employee experience. The discussion emphasized practical, cost-conscious approaches organizations can use to strengthen workplace culture, support employee engagement, and improve retention. Participants also had the opportunity to consider how these strategies could be applied within their own organizations through the development of a personalized workplace well-being action plan.

“Employee well-being is not separate from business success; it is an important part of it,” said Linda Parsons, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “Our employers are navigating a changing workforce, and supporting employees requires more than simply filling positions. It requires leaders who understand the importance of workplace culture, recognize the challenges employees face and are willing to take meaningful steps to create an environment where people can succeed. The response to this year’s symposium reinforces the value of bringing our business community together to learn, share perspectives and identify solutions that strengthen our workforce.”

The strong attendance reflects continued interest in professional development opportunities that help employers address workforce challenges while investing in the people who drive their organizations forward. 

The Talent Symposium was presented by the Moore County Chamber of Commerce and Sandhills Community College, in partnership with Moore County Schools and the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. The program is part of the region’s ongoing workforce development efforts to connect education, economic development, business and community resources around the needs of local employers.

“Addressing workforce challenges takes collaboration, and that is exactly why these partnerships matter,” Parsons added in a press release. “When our business, education and economic development partners come together around issues that affect employers and employees, we create opportunities to gain experience from one another and make progress on challenges no single organization can solve alone.”

The Moore County Chamber extends its appreciation to Dr. Germain for sharing her expertise, to its partners for their continued collaboration and to the more than 130 attendees who invested their time in strengthening their organizations and the broader business community.