The 10th October marks World Mental Health Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating against mental health stigma. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has chosen the theme “Mental Health at Work,” emphasising the importance of creating mentally healthy workplaces. In line with this, the charity Mind is spearheading its “No Mind Left Behind” campaign, which aims to address long NHS waiting times for mental health services and reduce stigma.
Mental wellbeing in the workplace: A vital priority
The WHO highlights the critical role workplaces play in safeguarding mental health, stating:
“Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.”
In the UK, mental health in the workplace is a pressing issue. Mental Health UK reports that 15% of UK workers are living with a mental health condition, and in 2022/23, 875,000 people experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. This calls for urgent attention to fostering mentally healthy workplaces.
Building a mentally healthy workplace at RECCo
At RECCo, we are committed to supporting our employees’ mental wellbeing. Here are some of the initiatives we’ve implemented to create a mentally healthy and supportive environment:
Having eyes and ears on the ground with professionally trained Mental Health First Aiders
We recognise the importance of equipping staff with the skills to identify and support colleagues facing mental health challenges. We trained our second Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) this year. The role of an MHFAider involves recognising early signs of mental health difficulties, offering initial support, and guiding individuals toward appropriate professional help.
In a recent interview, Jenny, one of our MHFAiders, shared her perspective on the growing need for these roles:
“After the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of moderate or severe depressive symptoms in the UK doubled from 10% to 21%, according to the Office for National Statistics. The cost-of-living crisis has only worsened these mental health challenges. Tragically, suicide rates are rising, too, with 5,284 suicides registered in England in 2022—more than triple the number of people killed in road collisions that year. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for workplace mental health training.”
Kimberley Watkiss, our People and Culture Manager and trained MHFAider, has also completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a suicide first aid course. With this training, Kimberley is equipped to assess suicide risk, engage in open conversations about mental health, and develop safety plans for those at risk.
Promoting wellness with initiatives to support physical and mental health
Physical health plays a crucial role in mental wellness. Research shows that regular physical activity can boost self-esteem, improve concentration, and promote better sleep. To encourage healthy habits, we offer employees a monthly wellbeing allowance of £40. This allowance can be used for gym memberships, exercise classes, fitness gear, or any other activity that supports their physical wellbeing.
We also advocate for taking regular breaks during the workday and encourage our employees to step outside for fresh air to reset and refresh.
Free, confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
We believe in providing our employees with confidential and professional mental health support. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers free, 24/7 support for various challenges, including stress, financial concerns, and sleep difficulties. This service helps our team access expert guidance on personal and work-related issues whenever needed.
Embracing the power of remote work for flexibility and balance
At RECCo, we understand the importance of work-life balance in maintaining mental and physical health. Our workplace is remote, with the option to work from a London hub office when needed. This flexibility supports mental wellbeing and saves employees time and money, allowing for a better balance between work and personal life.
Looking ahead
At RECCo, we are proud to take proactive steps to create a mentally healthy workplace. On this World Mental Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of our employees and encourage other organisations to create safer, healthier environments for their teams.
