There is strong evidence that workplaces with high levels of mental wellbeing are more productive. Addressing wellbeing at work increases productivity by as much as 12% so there are economic as well as ethical reasons to invest in your employees wellbeing.
First of all read the pitfalls and common mistakes awareness days make it is important to understand these errors. Now you understand the don't 's below are a range of ideas but it is the communication and delivery of them that matter rather than the actual activity.
Share policies outlining how the company supports people with disabilities, mental health, pregnancy, menopause
Invite in a speaker or an employee to share their experience of living with a mental health condition
Ask employees how they meet their wellbeing 5 and how the company can help overcome barriers to it
Provide mental health first aid training.
Put together a playlist of ted talks on the subject that people can take time out of their day to watch.
Have a session on how to talk about suicide.
Invite in local services so that people know what support is available.
Launch a staff group that meets regularly to promote wellbeing and support each other.
Create a list of random acts of kindness and ask people to pledge to do one.
Give employees time to volunteer.
Promote a relevant charities work.
Provide nourishing food for employees.
Ask staff if they have any skills or hobbies that they can share. I have seen staff teach baking which only costs the company the cost of a bag of flour and yeast, even if you have no oven you can make microwave cakes. Staff have led walks or a treasure hunt around their favourite places. Staff have shared their love of knitting or crafts, music, poetry or art.
Invite in a range of different instructors of hobby and exercise groups. Allow employees to go to the taster sessions of the ones they like the sound of.
Enable people to have a lunch break by making sure people know that time is protected and work can wait.
Using a tool such as a wellbeing charter mark assessment, may help identify areas for development that will boost wellbeing and create and environment in which mental health is supported. When using these tools it important to use them with sincerity and for them to have buy in from the people who have the authority or budget to make changes.
Have meaningful conversations with staff about how they can incorporate their strengths and what they are good at into their work.
If you want something with novelty, smoothie bikes or stand up comedy workshops but remember to have variety in order to be inclusive.
Plan a tea and talk.
Sarah is an Occupational Therapist and personal trainer who is passionate about helping people flourish @MoodLifterPT She offers a range of corporate and individual services and she is always happy to be contacted if you want to find out more.
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