Mental Wellness
  • Publish Date: Posted 6 months ago
  • Author:by Dena Hyett

Breaking the Taboo: Championing Mental Wellness in the Workplace

​In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how we perceive mental health in the workplace. Organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of prioritising mental wellness among employees. No longer confined to whispers on lunch breaks, mental health is increasingly being discussed and is emerging as a vital aspect of overall wellbeing, with companies leading the charge in breaking taboos surrounding this crucial issue.The Role of Gerrard White in Promoting Mental Health AwarenessAs a recruitment business, Gerrard White is deeply engaged in conversations with both clients and candidates where mental health awareness is not just a checkbox — it's a fundamental part of our ethos. Every day, we engage in discussions about mental health, understanding its impact on individuals' lives and the workplace. Through these interactions, we're not just observers; we're actively championing better mental health practices in the workplace. We are constantly speaking with job seekers who are looking to move on from their roles. The Link Between Mental Health Support and Employee RetentionMany report that the reason for seeking to move is due to a lack of support for their mental wellness, or due to stress or burnout reasons. This trend underscores the critical importance of mental health support in the workplace. Businesses need to take this reason for leaving on board and adapt to protect their staff retention and to attract new talent to their businesses.The Shift from Productivity-First to Employee Well-beingTraditionally, companies prioritised productivity above all else, with less regard for the mental and emotional wellbeing of their employees. However, this mindset is rapidly changing as businesses come to understand that a mentally healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life, the need for mental health support in the workplace has never been more pressing.Destigmatising Mental Health ConversationsOne of the most significant steps that companies are taking to champion mental wellness is destigmatising conversations around mental health. Employees are encouraged to speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions. This cultural shift fosters a sense of psychological safety, where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when needed.Implementing Comprehensive Mental Health ProgramsIn addition, more and more companies are implementing comprehensive mental health programmes to support their employees. These include access to counselling services via Employee Assistance Programmes, providing mental health and mindfulness resources, and offering training programmes that promote mental wellbeing, as well as opportunities for open discussions about mental health. By investing in these initiatives, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to employee wellness but also reap the benefits of a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.The Role of Flexible Work ArrangementsFlexible work arrangements are another way that corporates are supporting mental wellness. Recognising that the traditional 9-to-5 office model may not be conducive to everyone's mental health, companies are offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and shorter working weeks. These alternatives empower employees to find a work-life balance that works best for them, reducing stress and improving overall satisfaction. Read more in our Working Policies Report.Leadership's Role in Promoting Mental WellnessLeadership plays a crucial role in driving change and promoting mental wellness in the workplace. By openly discussing their own experiences with mental health and demonstrating vulnerability, leaders set a powerful example for their teams. Additionally, training programmes for managers on how to recognise and address mental health issues among their staff can facilitate early intervention and support.Continuing the Journey Towards a Mentally Healthy WorkplaceIt's essential to recognise that breaking taboos surrounding mental health in the workplace is an ongoing process. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to create truly inclusive and supportive environments for all employees. By continuing to prioritise mental wellness, companies can lead by example and inspire positive change across industries.

Share this Article
Back to Blogs

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how we perceive mental health in the workplace. Organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of prioritising mental wellness among employees. No longer confined to whispers on lunch breaks, mental health is increasingly being discussed and is emerging as a vital aspect of overall wellbeing, with companies leading the charge in breaking taboos surrounding this crucial issue.

The Role of Gerrard White in Promoting Mental Health Awareness

As a recruitment business, Gerrard White is deeply engaged in conversations with both clients and candidates where mental health awareness is not just a checkbox — it's a fundamental part of our ethos. Every day, we engage in discussions about mental health, understanding its impact on individuals' lives and the workplace. Through these interactions, we're not just observers; we're actively championing better mental health practices in the workplace. We are constantly speaking with job seekers who are looking to move on from their roles.

The Link Between Mental Health Support and Employee Retention

Many report that the reason for seeking to move is due to a lack of support for their mental wellness, or due to stress or burnout reasons. This trend underscores the critical importance of mental health support in the workplace. Businesses need to take this reason for leaving on board and adapt to protect their staff retention and to attract new talent to their businesses.

The Shift from Productivity-First to Employee Well-being

Traditionally, companies prioritised productivity above all else, with less regard for the mental and emotional wellbeing of their employees. However, this mindset is rapidly changing as businesses come to understand that a mentally healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life, the need for mental health support in the workplace has never been more pressing.

Destigmatising Mental Health Conversations

One of the most significant steps that companies are taking to champion mental wellness is destigmatising conversations around mental health. Employees are encouraged to speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions. This cultural shift fosters a sense of psychological safety, where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when needed.

Implementing Comprehensive Mental Health Programs

In addition, more and more companies are implementing comprehensive mental health programmes to support their employees. These include access to counselling services via Employee Assistance Programmes, providing mental health and mindfulness resources, and offering training programmes that promote mental wellbeing, as well as opportunities for open discussions about mental health. By investing in these initiatives, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to employee wellness but also reap the benefits of a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.

The Role of Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible work arrangements are another way that corporates are supporting mental wellness. Recognising that the traditional 9-to-5 office model may not be conducive to everyone's mental health, companies are offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and shorter working weeks. These alternatives empower employees to find a work-life balance that works best for them, reducing stress and improving overall satisfaction. Read more in our Working Policies Report.

Leadership's Role in Promoting Mental Wellness

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving change and promoting mental wellness in the workplace. By openly discussing their own experiences with mental health and demonstrating vulnerability, leaders set a powerful example for their teams. Additionally, training programmes for managers on how to recognise and address mental health issues among their staff can facilitate early intervention and support.

Continuing the Journey Towards a Mentally Healthy Workplace

It's essential to recognise that breaking taboos surrounding mental health in the workplace is an ongoing process. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to create truly inclusive and supportive environments for all employees. By continuing to prioritise mental wellness, companies can lead by example and inspire positive change across industries.

Latest Blogs

View All Blogs
Diversity In Legal
The Importance of Diversity in Legal Recruitment in London and the South East

In recent years, diversity and inclusion have become central themes across nearly every industry—and the legal sector is no exception. Historically, UK law firms have faced criticism for lacking d...

Insurance Broking Recruitment
Discover More About Insurance Broking Recruitment

At Gerrard White Consulting, we specialise in insurance broking recruitment, placing highly skilled professionals into a variety of roles within the insurance industry. Our experienced team unde...

Legal Firm   John Copeland & Sons Case Study
Case Study | Overcoming Recruitment Challenges with a Tailored Legal Hiring Solution

John Copland and Son, a small, traditional law firm deeply rooted in the Sheerness community since 1867, faced a business critical recruitment challenge. As a family-run business spanning six gener...

Image   Ir35 Compliance
IR35 Contractor Audit: Do you know your risks of non-compliance?

​If your business relies on contractors to fill critical roles, ensuring IR35 compliance is no longer just a tax issue - it’s a major operational and financial risk. As a recruitment agency, Gerrar...

Insurance Offices
An Insurance Recruitment Agency’s Perspective on the Vibrant World of Insurance

​When most people think of a career in the insurance industry, they often imagine stacks of paperwork, policy jargon, and the misconception that it’s a “boring” field. But here’s the truth: the ins...

Insurance Broking
Gerrard White Consulting: Broking Recruitment Specialists

​As a recognised and trusted leader in insurance recruitment, Gerrard White helps insurance companies find top professionals across all areas of insurance, including claims, broking, technology, u...

Legal Recruiitment Consulting
How Legal Recruitment Consulting Can Help Build Strong Teams

​Building a strong and efficient legal team is crucial for any law firm's success. At Gerrard White Consulting, we understand the competitive nature of the legal landscape and know that securing to...

Modernising Technology
The Importance of Modernising Legacy Systems in the UK Insurance Industry

​In an era defined by digital transformation, the UK insurance industry is facing increasing pressure to modernise its legacy systems. These systems, often decades old, are struggling to keep up w...

Legal Case Study
Case Study: Swift and effective recruitment of HR Manager for leading Legal Firm

A leading Legal 500 firm, faced a critical HR challenge when their HR Manager decided to leave for a new opportunity outside of HR and law. They needed a replacement quickly to ensure a smooth tran...

Insurance Recruiters
Case Study: Building a European IT function for a Global Insurance Broker

A Global Insurance Broking and Risk Management organisation built a new IT model to support their acquisitive growth plans. This included a major technology overhaul to align UK operations with the...

Managed Service Provision (MSP)
5 Signs Your Business Needs a Managed Service Provider (MSP)

​In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies face increasing challenges in managing their workforce and operations efficiently. Without the right systems in place, businesses can struggle...

Talent Trends
Talent Trends Report - August 2024

​August Talent Trends Report focuses on the hiring headlines from the latest S&P Global REC/ONS Report.Our August Talent Trends Report analyses the key findings from the latest S&P Global REC/ONS R...

Legal Jobs
How to land your dream job in law: A step-by-step guide

​If you're looking to pursue a career in law, you're likely keen to understand how to navigate the competitive legal job market. Whether you are fresh out of university or considering a career shif...