World Mental Health Day 2024 is focusing on the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace. Mental health and work are closely linked, with employees on average spending 60% of their time at work, so providing the correct guidance, support and tools is essential for safeguarding employee wellbeing.
At Pall-Ex Group, we have a trained group of Mental Health First Aiders to offer support and encouragement within the workplace. Our Mental Health First Aiders are a point of contact across the business to provide initial support and to signpost those in need to appropriate help. Whilst they are not qualified therapists or psychiatrists, having the support on offer has proven invaluable to our employees.
We spoke to Mental Health First Aiders from departments across the business to find out some of their best tips for taking care of mental health in the workplace.
Aaron Beech – Senior Accounts Payable Administrator
What is your biggest tip for taking care of your mental health?
It’s important to make sure you are taking your lunch break – we are all guilty for working through lunch but this should not become the norm. A mind that has time to rest is a productive mind.
I would always recommend practicing gratitude, outside of work I find it important to remind myself daily of things I am grateful for. Be specific and write them down. It’s a great way to start the morning, even if it feels a little silly at first.
What is the importance of mental health in the workplace?
57% of working days are lost across the UK due to work-related stress, anxiety, and depression, and 61% of UK employees have experienced a mental health issue due to work or work-related circumstances (ref Health and Safety Executive, 2018). The problem is widespread and growing and an open door to help could save companies millions.
What made you decide to train as a mental health first aider?
Having struggled with my own mental health in the past, I am proud to have got to a position in my life where I can help others. If someone hadn’t reached out to me in the past, I would not be here and I would very much like to return that favour if I can.
Joe Murfitt – Central Hub Manager
What is your biggest tip for taking care of your mental health?
When things get on top of me at work, I always try and take myself away, whether that is a five minute walk around the building or shutting the door to my office. This lets me decompress, reset and allows me to think clearly. It also helps me to make stronger decisions by having a clearer mindset. Through family and home life, I try to do a simple task to reset myself, whether that is unloading the dishwasher or putting clothes away, sometimes even doing something really simple can help to rationalise tough situations.
What is the importance of mental health in the workplace?
It is really important to enjoy your work and if you find yourself dreading going in you need to look at areas of your role and coworkers to make positive changes. It is important to assess if you’re in the right environment and make those changes. Sometimes, being stuck in your comfort zone can be the hardest thing to overcome and leaving your comfort zone can help to develop yourself in the right way.
What made you decide to train as a mental health first aider?
My partner has suffered with mental health issues in the past and when the course became available it was a perfect opportunity to understand how I can help and support her. Understanding some of the techniques to help provided a calmer mindset and I knew I could use these skills in the workplace to offer support to people around the business. I have always been outgoing and talkative and feel I also possess strong emotional intelligence, which can provide a calm environment for people to talk about any issues. I have applied these skills in a number of ways since passing the course and it is something I would highly recommend others doing!
Derrick Curtis, Operations Manager – Pall-Ex Logistics (Devon & Cornwall)
What is your biggest tip for taking care of your mental health?
Regular holidays from work, I always try to encourage drivers to take a break each quarter. Take your lunch breaks and if you are office-based, make an effort to go round the block for a walk and fresh air.
What is the importance of mental health in the workplace?
It is essential for retaining staff. It is so important in the transport industry especially to be there for your colleagues and team. If talking and helping someone saves a life, then it is so worth it.
What made you decide to train as a mental health first aider?
I am an Operations Manager and wanted the team to see that we take care of all staff and take mental health seriously. Plus, I like helping people if I can within my operating capacity and parameters.
Richard Newton - Group Training Manager
What is your biggest tip for taking care of your mental health?
Talking to someone is so important when taking care of your mental health, we want to encourage seeking support when it is needed. I’d also recommend practising mindfulness activities – exercise, meditation, yoga, outside walks and seeing family and friends.
Try where possible to focus on present activities and not dwell on past events or overthink upcoming activities or issues, as this will help with an overall positive mindset. Setting yourself goals and targets helps to add direction, purpose and motivation.
What is the importance of mental health in the workplace?
In today’s fast-paced workplaces, mental health awareness and support is vital to ensure employee wellbeing. If awareness and support is present, this creates a more positive and harmonious work environment where people will feel valued, listened to and fully supported. A positive and engaged workplace will further develop retention, loyalty, performance and reputation as a supportive employer.
What made you decide to train as a mental health first aider?
To be able to provide support, information, advice and guidance to my fellow colleagues who may be experiencing difficult times in terms of their mental health. Mental health issues in the workplace are on the rise as with many areas of society so I wanted to do my bit to support and help others.
For support and guidance regarding mental health, visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/