‘It’s Time To Prioritise Mental Health In The Workplace’
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October is right up our street: mental health at work. To mark the day, we asked our own team what comes to mind when they think about their own mental wellbeing during work.
Jake Lloyd, Marketing and Communications: “Trusting and supporting one another is important to me. At the start of my career I worked in the sound department for a TV show. I was young and inexperienced, but my supervisor had high expectations of me and gave me the support I needed in order to meet those expectations. Though I wasn’t conscious of it at the time, he clearly trusted me and my abilities. Without that I wouldn’t have grown in the way that I did.”
Nicole Agneta, Operations: “Establishing and accepting what’s within my control is important. It’s easy to want to accomplish things by yourself and feel efficient, but part of the wisdom of doing a job well is knowing when you need help. I’m glad to be in a space where boundaries are stated, respected and support is given openly.”
Caroline McLaughlin, Finance: “I often draw encouragement and strength from other people’s words – whether it be from spiritual sources, podcasts, quotes or talking to a colleague. And I’m very fortunate to work in an environment where colleagues are friends, who are always willing to offer a word or lend an ear. Imagine if we could all be that person.”
Dr. Matt Edwards, Chief Clinical Officer: “Making time to connect with colleagues matters to me. It’s harder when working remotely, but it makes us all feel like we are more than the work we do. A little bit of fun like sending a nice message, a fun picture or a game can help lighten the mood and make room to laugh with others.”
Dr. Simon Clift, Occupational Health: “Working almost exclusively remotely sounds great when it comes to hanging out the washing and collecting deliveries, but it sucks when it comes to social interaction. That’s why I love our monthly in-person coworking days. It’s wonderful for social interaction (but I don’t expect to get any report writing done!).”
Daisy Muange, Operations: “It has to be the support I receive from my colleagues, whether through encouragement, constructive feedback, or simply providing a space to debrief and reflect. It helps create an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes, which are both a natural part of growth.”
Dr. Ted Lankester, Travel Medicine Specialist: “I spend a good part of each medical looking at the mental health challenges faced by so many working both at the front line and in support roles. What gives me the greatest joy and satisfaction is the human connection formed through our discussions, listening to their stories and humorous asides.”
Brian Wainaina, Marketing and Communications: “I sometimes find it hard to take breaks or close my laptop at the end of the day – especially when my family isn’t around. Working with people who prioritise and stick to their boundaries has challenged me to know when the time is right to stop working and explore other things I love doing.”
Diana Chepkosgei, Senior Psychologist: “I love helping people through difficult seasons. Today, I had a session with a client who mentioned how much she needed to be seen as ‘normal’, and that’s why she books her sessions with me. In that moment, I felt so fulfilled and grateful to be part of someone’s journey.”
If you’d like to discuss with us how we can support you and your organisation right now, then get in touch with us right away.