World Mental Health Day
Everyone's mental health matters
Is your mental well-being a priority?
Since my introduction to Verrus and immersion into the realm of recruitment, I have diligently examined our approach to mental health, and I must say, it stands out remarkably. As we have expanded our horizons this year, our growth as a company, while promising, carries with it the inherent risks of complicating and potentially straining our support systems.
Drawing upon insights from various perspectives - that of a student, a seasoned professional, and a pragmatist - I joined Verrus amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This transition proved to be a distinctive experience, as it coincided with a broader societal shift towards adapting to a 'new normal.' The reintegration into physical workplaces was a significant milestone, accompanied by extensive articles and research studies delving into this transitional phase:
"Employees show psychological symptoms, including psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, worries, insomnia, and emotional reactions upon resuming work during the easing of restrictions."
Liu, W., Xu, Y., & Ma, D. (2021). Work-Related Mental Health Under COVID-19 Restrictions: A Mini Literature Review. Frontiers in public health, 9, 788370. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.788370
UK Statistics
Amongst the UK workforces, Over 42% of employees report suffering from anxiety, that might as well be half... 40% of individuals seeking therapeutic support rate their anxiety symptoms as highly severe, & lastly 60% of employees understand the impact of their mental health symptoms on their lives. These are some sobering statistics provided by Kirstie Pickering & Henry Williams.
"Prioritizing mental health at work is not just a compassionate choice; it's an investment in the well-being and productivity of your greatest asset – your employees." - Thomas Kingston
Change
Lets create the change we want to see in our environments and open communication channels to talk about these topics. Here are a few recommendations that we, at Verrus, have put into place to enable our workforce to achieve and thrive in their working environment:
Open and Honest Dialogue: Encourage employees to discuss mental health openly and confidentially.
Education and Training Programmes: Raise mental health awareness among all staff and equip managers to identify distress signs.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Promote work-life balance through flexible schedules.
Accessible Mental Health Resources: Provide counselling services, Employee Assistance Programmes, and mental health apps.
Wellness Initiatives: Offer stress management workshops, wellness programmes, and activities like yoga.
Leadership Commitment: Leaders should prioritise and integrate mental health discussions.
Regular Check-Ins and Surveys: Facilitate communication through one-on-one meetings and anonymous surveys.
Thank you for reading this Inaugural article, be sure to check Verrus page often for future issues.
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