These K-drama colleagues will help improve your mental health
In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2024, we’re taking a look at the theme “it’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace” through a K-drama lens!
Frankly Speaking. Image: JTBC.
Based on the American Psychological Association’s (APA) advice on how employees can create psychological safety at work, these K-drama colleagues (from K-dramas released in 2024) inspire us to do the same with our workmates.
Secretary Na from Queen of Tears
Yoon Bo-mi. Image: Choi Lab Creative
In the heat of Hae-in’s (Kim Ji-won) displaced anger towards her subordinates that occurs in episode seven of Queen of Tears, Secretary Na (Yoon Bo-mi) immediately thinks of a solution that can prevent her boss from getting more triggered.
As Hae-in learns about her husband Hyun-woo’s (Kim Soo-hyun) plan to divorce her, Secretary Na plans to temporarily keep Hae-in away from Hyun-woo.
“Focusing on finding solutions” is APA’s first advice to employees to create psychological safety at work and Secretary Na does a great job at finding solutions at work.
Goo Han-soo from The Auditors
The Auditors. Image: tvN
We lost track of the times that Han-soo (Lee Jung-ha) asked his colleagues for their opinions, especially Seo-jin (Hyeyeon), regarding how they can approach each setback in their job.
Han-soo’s inquisitive disposition empowers and motivates his colleagues when they try to figure out how they can solve problems at work. No wonder everyone feels like their true self when they’re talking to Han-soo.
Choi Seung-hyo from Love Next Door
Love Next Door. Image: tvN
As well as being eloquent and smart, Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in) attentively listens to anyone he’s arguing with — be that his clients, subordinates, or loved ones. For a split second, one might forget that he’s the President of a company.
Regardless of his position, he listens to his colleagues and applies their suggestions if he can, making the people around him feel heard and respected when they’re working with him.
“Actively listen to ideas shared by colleagues,” is APA’s third piece of advice on creating psychological safety at work and we think Seung-hyo has this down to a fine art!
On Woon-ju from Frankly Speaking
Frankly Speaking. Image: JTBC
While most of Woon-ju’s (Kang Han-na) colleagues tend to escalate their emotions when discussing project issues, Woon-ju stays calm and respectful when stating her arguments.
This is a habit that we should apply at work to prevent additional problems and stress from arising.
Ok Ah-jung from The Auditors
The Auditors. Image: tvN
“Provide respectful, thoughtful feedback” is APA’s last advice to employees so they can create psychological safety at work.
Ah-jung (Lee Ji-hyeon) can do this effortlessly with her soft voice. Also, her constant recognition of her teammates' hard work feels good and motivating.
Final takeaways
They say, “there’s no perfect job,” let alone a perfect colleague. Yet the above K-drama colleagues didn’t let their imperfections get in the way of providing psychological safety to their workmates.
So, if you had the chance to work with one of the above K-drama colleagues, who would be your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by Nicole Tilby.