Workplace Guide: Making time for mental health

Regular communication within teams is key to supporting wellbeing, including one-to-ones in a space away from distractions. Taking a colleague for a coffee can help them to relax and to feel like time has been created to listen and care for them. Not everyone is comfortable talking to their direct line manager, so clear sign posts of where to find further support should be displayed. Appointing a wellbeing buddy or champion can help to promote wellness and break down the stigma against mental health issues. 

Setting good intentions at the start of the day and practising gratitude at the end can support daily wellbeing. Intentions can include ‘Let’s give great customer service today’ or sharing positive motivational daily quotes on a notice board. Practising gratitude allows you to focus on the achievements of the day, especially if it has been a busy or stressful one. We have approximately 60,000 thoughts a day and 80-90% of those are negative. Let’s at least focus on positivity at the start and end of each day.