SOCOTEC Commemorates World Mental Health Day
SOCOTEC, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, is helping to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace by celebrating World Mental Health Day.
Taking place on Saturday 10 October, the theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘mental health for all’, promoting the importance of greater investment and access to quality mental health support.
As the COVID-19 pandemic sees businesses continue to adapt their working environments to comply with current UK government guidance with workers who can effectively work from home being encouraged to do so, employers are having to find new ways to remotely support staff wellbeing. Home working during these uncertain and challenging times has the potential to increase feelings of stress, depression and anxiety due to extensive periods of isolation, meaning it is more important than ever to encourage staff to look after their mental health, be kind to themselves and stay connected with others.
Nicola Bassett, regional HR adviser, recently joined SOCOTEC in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, and found the organisation to be empathetic with regards to her mental wellbeing and work-life balance. “There were times when I felt like bursting into tears. I was trying to homeschool and keep going with my normal day job with two kids running riot – all while hoping that I could still start my new role, and every day trying to anticipate what the next development would be,” she reflected.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has without a doubt had a profound impact on my mental health, but SOCOTEC has been extremely understanding and supportive of my circumstances throughout.”
“With over 14% of people experiencing a mental health issue in the workplace in their lifetime, it is important to ensure that staff have access to the appropriate resources and support and are encouraged to communicate freely about any mental health issues they may be experiencing,”
“As a responsible employer, SOCOTEC is a proud supporter of World Mental Health Day, with the appropriate measures in place to reassure and advise our employees on a range of mental health issues. This includes our team of Mental Health First Aiders, who are on hand to provide impartial advice, appropriate support and a non-judgemental ear to those in need."
For more information on how to support employee mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19, click here. You can also visit any of the below resources for additional support and guidance:
