First published on Conference & Incentive Travel as part of the Stress Matters wellbeing supplement in March 2019
The events industry have taken the safety part of health & safety seriously for years. But now it’s time to step up to the ‘health’ aspect and move from just physical to health to a wider focus which includes mental health at work too.
Whilst the conversation around mental health has greatly opened up in recent years, reducing the stigma associated with it as a result, it’s still seen as an uncomfortable conversation to have in the workplace.
To help you think about ways to introduce mental health awareness in your workplace, we’ve spoken to companies successfully opening up the discussion and taking the mental health of their employees seriously.
CASE STUDY: RPM
Events agency RPM now see poor mental health as normal as a broken leg. Wellbeing initiatives have been in place since 2017, when the company sent an in-depth wellness survey to employees which uncovered mental health worries. A holistic approach to wellness including coaching, feedback and a focus on inclusivity, alongside their specific mental health support, has led to a reduction in mental health issues.
Part of a wider strategy looking at company culture, 10 Mental Health First Aiders have been trained up to act as the first port of call for someone struggling at work. Having MHFAs to talk to makes the experience far less intimidating than going straight to HR. They also advise the board and HRD and are part of the company-wide focus on mental health matters.
Running clubs and social events help increase team connection and sharing, whilst last year’s Tea in the Park event took place as a way to keep the conversation going.
CASE STUDY: NEC GROUP
Starting with a team of 11 wellbeing ambassadors , the NEC Group now have two trained mental health first aiders and are planning to roll out more training after the success of last year’s bite-sized training.
So far, having people in the company dedicated to mental health awareness has helped to break the taboo. The organisation’s continued commitment includes joining the Time to Change employer pledge (a pledge committed to ending mental health stigma and discrimination) and their Green Room campaign offers a safe space for staff to share in confidence.
Other wellbeing offerings include walks, running clubs and weekly yoga classes . June sees the annual Bring your Dog to Work Day and NEC arenas have a Random Acts of Kindness programme in place.
CASE STUDY: CAPITA TRAVEL & EVENTS
Capita started their wellness journey by first identifying what it looked like specifically for them . By first trying out different initiatives such as fitness and mindfulness, they were able to get employees’ feedback and focus on what worked best. Over time, their Mental Health First Aiders have really become prominent at work, being involved in HR processes and lots more.
Normalising mental health at work has meant giving managers the tools to know what to do in the case of a mental health crisis. As well as basic awareness training, staff are also trained in building their own resilience . By assessing the workforce , understanding what people know already and putting in place a plan to take them on their journey, the wellness programme at Capita is becoming fully rounded.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aiders complete an official course giving them the tools to support others by spotting the symptoms of mental health issues, offering initial help and guiding a person toward support. They may be able to reach out to someone before a crisis happens and help to listen, reassure and respond. With 45% of all ill-health absenteeism caused by mental health, it’s an important tool to have in the workplace. Having people at their best level of wellbeing and productivity is of huge benefit.
Communicating across the company that you have MHFAs is crucial – use internal comms to spread the message so people know exactly how and whom to approach with any issues they have. In a similar vein, those who are trained as MHFAs will need support themselves and it’s crucial to allow them the time and space to do this. The sTress Matters team now offer accredited MHFA training, please click here for more information.
#THISISME CAMPAIGN
A mental health campaign launched by The Lord Mayor to help organisations tackle the stigma around mental health at work. Relaying the importance of connection, the campaign encourages companies to use storytelling mediums such as videos and blogs to share the lived stories of their employees experiences with their mental health issues. Evidence shows that organisations sharing their stories make accelerated process compared to those that do not. RPM, NEC and Capita Travel and Events all took part in the campaign last year.