Mental Well-Being Is Not Just For Mental Health Awareness Week

MikeWorldWide London's Head of Purpose Jasmin Athwal talks about the importance of businesses taking Mental Health seriously.

Research from CV Library recently found that 14% of UK workers suffer from mental ill-health. This statistic takes on a different significance if you are one of the 14% or have supported friends, family, or colleagues who fall into this number.

It is a statistic I can personally relate to. I spent my early PR career plagued by crippling anxiety. What should have been a quick email would take me hours as I agonised over every word. I was convinced I was about to be sacked whenever I made a spelling mistake or was called into a line management meeting. It was an excruciating experience that dominated a good six months of my life.

I was lucky to have a flatmate who was very openly going through similar issues. We sought help together, finding a GP who ensured we had the medication and counseling we needed to get us back on track. It was liberating to regain control over my life. I was better in myself, a better friend and family member and suddenly smashing it at work as I found my confidence.

Looking back, it’s interesting to note that my mental health battle wasn’t something I ever would have considered discussing with my employers or around the office. Instead, I got the help I needed quietly in the background. This Mental Health Awareness Week makes me very glad to note that things have changed for the better.

With my analytical hat on, I would say there are a few reasons for this:

1. Society Has Changed

Mental health is something that is now discussed in the mainstream. From Simone Biles to Harry Styles, we see high-profile personalities opening up about their mental well-being or lack thereof. In the business world, Rob Stephenson at InsideOut has been vocal about why we should discuss mental ill-health in the office

2. The Workforce Has Changed:

Millennials and Gen Z quite rightly have different expectations. They will not ‘suffer in silence’. They understand the importance of mental well-being and are not afraid to ask questions or seek better support from their employers. While there are still too many Piers Morgan types around, I think these generations have got it right. Mental well-being should be a priority, it is the professional world rather than people that needed to evolve. And talking of the professional world...

3. The PR industry Has Changed:

We are more open about the pressures of the job. Managing the needs of multiple stakeholders – your team, your clients, your influencer pool – can be tough. Throw in shifting priorities and tight deadlines, and it is little wonder people find it challenging at times. This is not to undermine the incredible learning opportunities and fun to be had. But as an industry, we are more aware of how to support teams with the pressures while prioritising the positives.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to reflect and, for me, a continual commitment to mental wellbeing should be the focus. The key is having the right policies and tools to support staff on an ongoing basis.

I am proud to say that MWW is proactive about supporting mental well-being in the workplace. Some of the actions we are taking include:

•  Implementing a progressive mental health policy that we ensure is promoted to job applicants who may not feel comfortable asking about it. And to employees who can access it without needing to ask or alert others.
• Access to private healthcare providers selected because of their robust mental wellbeing services.
• Free access to Talkspace, a digital mental health service that provides staff with a 1:1 therapy session every month, plus the ability to message therapists anytime.
• Time to step away. This includes a daily lunchtime Power Hour where we encourage staff to be offline. We also offer an early Friday finish and regular company mental health days where the whole team is offline, all of which is communicated to clients.
• We also have trained Mental Health First Aiders to support team members experiencing mental health issues. And I am super proud to say that many in our team now feel open to discussing their challenges and getting the support they need.

Times have changed from when I was new to the industry. And change is a wonderful thing. Have we at MWW got it completely right? I doubt it, I wouldn’t trust any company that claims to be perfect. And if there are things you think we have missed we would love to hear about them. However, I am glad to say that we are moving forward with an attitude of constant curiosity and evolution.