Celebrating our commitment to workplace wellbeing
We were one of 74 organisations to take part in Mind’s second annual Workplace Wellbeing Index, and this week we have been recognised with a bronze award, which shows we are committed to achieving change within the workplace.
The awards event took place at BMA House, the headquarters of the British Medical Association, in Central London. The ceremony was hosted by Mind Ambassador Alastair Campbell, a writer, communicator and strategist who is best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Alastair has written and talked extensively about his own experiences of depression.
Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice, celebrating the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health, and providing key recommendations on the specific areas where there is room to improve.
Every employer depends on having healthy and productive employees – valued and supported staff are far more likely to perform better and achieve peak performance.
Mind surveyed nearly 45,000 employees across the 74 employers participating in the Index, and found that roughly 3 in 5 said their mental health was good or very good (58 per cent), while 13 per cent of respondents said that their mental health was currently poor or very poor.
Of those who said their mental health was poor, 82 per cent said that this was work-related – either due solely to problems at work, or a combination of problems at work and outside of work. So it’s clear that our workplace can have a huge impact on our mental health.
Showing our support for our colleagues
Karen Roberts, our director of human resources and organisational development said: "Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a significant benchmark of best policy and practice in workplace wellbeing and celebrates the good work employers are doing to promote positive mental health. We are really proud to receive a bronze award, rewarding our long-term commitment to support our staff in being healthy and productive at work.
"Taking part in the index also means we’re contributing towards Mind’s cutting-edge research on workplace wellbeing and leading our sector in playing a part in the movement for change in workplace mental health."
Alastair Campbell said: "I know first-hand how hard it can be to manage a mental health problem at work and what positive impact a supportive employer can have. I am lucky enough to say I’ve always benefited from being open with those I worked with, but I know that’s not the same for everyone.
"It’s essential that employers take steps to create a culture where the mental health of their staff is prioritised and Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is an essential part of this journey.
"I’m proud to be hosting the Index Awards to celebrate the employers who have made a commitment to promote wellbeing for all their staff, including those struggling with their mental health."
Tackling stress
Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, said: "Employers are increasingly acknowledging the importance of tackling stress and supporting the mental wellbeing of the entire workforce, including employees that might be struggling with their mental health. We’re delighted to recognise and celebrate employers making mental health a priority for their organisation through our Workplace Wellbeing Index.
"This year, we’ve been overwhelmed to see so much good practice right across the board, from each and every one of the 74 diverse employers to take part. The awards event provided an opportunity to recognise those forward-thinking employers who are at the cutting edge when it comes to investing in their staff wellbeing, and in turn getting the best outcomes for their business."
More information
To register your interest in taking part in next year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, please visit the Mind website.