World Mental Health Day: Supporting your team one day at a time 

In recent years, mental health has become a critical topic of discussion across the globe. From understanding what mental health truly means, to navigating the challenges posed by a global pandemic, both employees and employers have been exposed to a growing body of research and advice since 2020. The global conversation has shifted, underscoring the importance of caring for our mental health as much as our physical health, and for businesses, the message is clear: employers must prioritise the mental wellbeing of their teams. 

Why Mental Health in the workplace matters more than ever

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is, “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.” This theme highlights the urgent need for organisations to create environments that foster wellbeing and ensure employees feel supported. The data supports this urgency—mental health challenges cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year in lost productivity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the UK alone, poor mental health costs employers up to £45 billion annually through prolonged absences, presenteeism (where employees are physically present but mentally disengaged), and staff turnover. 

At Gerald Edelman, we recognise the importance of addressing this issue head-on, which is why we’ve implemented several initiatives to support our team’s mental wellbeing. Here’s a look at how we’re taking steps to care for our people—and hopefully inspire other businesses to do the same. 

How we support our team

1. Five fully trained Mental Health First Aiders

We have invested in training members of our team as Mental Health First Aiders. These individuals serve as designated points of contact for any team member experiencing a mental health challenge, providing a confidential space to talk and access further support. Research shows that 39% of UK employees have reported experiencing poor mental health due to work, so having access to such support is vital. By offering alternative contacts outside of direct managers or HR, employees can feel more comfortable seeking help when needed. 

2. Office wellbeing room

Recognisng the need for private, calming spaces within the workplace, we transformed our office gym into a wellbeing room. This space allows team members to take a mental health break, meditate, or have private conversations. Whether it’s for five minutes of quiet reflection or a private conversation, having a designated space for mental wellbeing is crucial. Offering amenities like water, tissues, puzzles, and calming coloring books, we encourage our employees to pause and reset during their workday—an approach backed by research, which suggests short breaks throughout the day can increase productivity. 

3. Quarterly Wellbeing Workshops with WorkLifeWell

Initially introduced during the pandemic, our partnership with WorkLifeWell provided monthly workshops focused on mindfulness, healthy living, and forming positive habits. These workshops have been so impactful that we’ve continued them on a quarterly basis. Hosted on Teams, all employees—whether working from home or in the office—can attend. Studies show that practicing mindfulness in the workplace can reduce stress, increase focus, and boost overall mental wellbeing. 

4. Number scoring system

At the start of each meeting, we use a simple number scoring system, asking team members to rate how they’re feeling on a scale of 1 to 10. This not only encourages openness about mental health, but also allows managers to identify early signs that someone may need support. According to research from Mind, 60% of employees feel more motivated when their employer takes action to support mental health, which underscores the importance of small but meaningful check-ins. 

4. Access to Health Care Cash Plans

We understand that physical and mental health are closely intertwined. To better support both, we offer healthcare cash plans that allow our team to claim back costs on certain medical scans, procedures, and appointments. This ensures that our employees have the financial means to prioritise their overall health, which in turn supports their mental wellbeing.  

Supporting your team one day at a time

With the wealth of information available on mental health today, it’s important not to feel overwhelmed by the idea of implementing too much at once.  

At Gerald Edelman, we established our Mental Health Committee in 2022. The committee meets monthly to review our initiatives, brainstorm new ideas, and proactively work to reduce any lingering stigma around mental health in our Firm. It’s a continuous learning process but our approach is centered around listening to our team and understanding their needs.  

Our guiding principle is built around the concept of “Mindful Working, Mindful Living.” By providing our team with the benefits and resources to support mindful working, and the tools to foster mindful living, we aim to create a balanced, healthy workplace where mental wellbeing is at the forefront. 

Your role as an employer

As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, it’s clear that employers must take an active role in supporting their teams. Whether through dedicated mental health first aiders, wellness rooms, or mental health workshops, businesses have a responsibility to create environments where employees can thrive both mentally and physically. By taking small but consistent steps, employers can not only improve their team’s wellbeing but also contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce.