We recently became proud members of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, and I had the privilege of attending the annual conference. This event brought local employers together to champion positive mental health in the workplace.
The conference focused on creating mentally healthy workplaces, with the aim of increasing confidence in discussing mental health at work, and tackling the stigma associated with mental health issues.
The day was filled with panel discussions, workshops, and wellbeing activities. Here are my top five takeaways from the conference:
Importance of being active
According to Sports England Active Lives, inactivity levels in Leeds in the most deprived communities are nearly double those of the most affluent communities, and the gap is widening. So, it's important for us to support our colleagues to take up and maintain physical activity.
When it comes to regular exercise, we could all do with a helping hand - especially when we feel demotivated. A workplace that encourages group activities can provide the necessary encouragement for staff to lead a healthier, happier life.
Within our organisation, we have a Strava group so colleagues can share and embark on their active journeys together. As we are residents of Leeds Dock, we also have access to lots of fun activities, which we promote across the organisation.
Menopause matters
Data from CIPD revealed that 73% of surveyed working women aged 40 to 60 have experienced symptoms related to menopause transition. This brings a variety of symptoms beyond the well-known hot flushes. These can include brittle nails, joint pain, and even a burning tongue.
As well as having a menopause policy in place, it’s important to help those who aren’t directly affected to understand how they can support their colleagues. NHS England has some useful information for line managers on supporting staff. The Menopause Charity also has plenty of resources and guidance on supporting those experiencing the menopause.
Come as you are
One in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life, however it’s still common for people to face stigma and discrimination. That’s why it’s so important for organisations to have a mental health and wellbeing action plan. This way, workplaces can be safe spaces, where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Knock-on effect
It’s proven that happy employees are more motivated and productive, benefiting not only themselves, but also their families and communities.
A wellness action plan can be a valuable tool for initiating wellbeing conversations and identifying workplace stressors.
Promote a healthy workplace culture
Currently, one in six workers are dealing with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or stress, which can impact their performance.
It’s vital to cultivate a healthy workplace culture where employees feel heard and supported. This includes promoting wellbeing, addressing the root causes of work-related mental health issues, and supporting staff experiencing mental health challenges.
As part of our commitment to develop a healthy workplace culture, we have formulated a wellbeing group, where representatives from across the organisation come together to discuss wellbeing. This group aims to ensure we are a brilliant place to work, as well as increasing opportunities for staff to connect with one another.
Although the group is in its early stages, we’ve started embedding wellbeing champion roles across the organisation, so that wellbeing conversations can take place. Together, this group will create a mental health and wellbeing action plan that meets everyone’s needs.
By implementing these takeaways, we can work towards a healthier, more supportive workplace for all. Let’s make mental health a priority and support each other in our journey towards wellness.
Do you have any other tips to improving mental health in the workplace? Let us know @NorthpointMH
Guest blog written by Charlie Smart, our Operational Team Manager and wellbeing champion
