PRODUCTIVITY pressure, instability and the lack of psychological safety in the workplace are the most common factors causing anxiety and stress in the workplace, as the UK marks mental health awareness week.
A recent study by global organisation Headspace revealed that nearly half or workers feel a sense of dread and anxiety during the working week. It also revealed that whilst 94% of HR leaders feel an increasing responsibility to improve company culture by supporting employees, they themselves use mental health benefits less than any other group surveyed.
Sarah Markham, workplace culture expert and founder of CALM In A Box, is hosting a week-long online event from May 15-19 where delegates – including HR leaders – are armed with tools to help them become at least 1% CALMer in a bid to change attitudes to the workplace.
There will be an online gut health session, tips on how to get a better night’s sleep, thanks to The Sleep Charity, and help on managing your menopause mind with My Menopause Centre.
Organisations already booked onto the event – called CALMFest – include energy company edf, the University of Derby and banking giants Barclays.
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) – one of the headline sponsors alongside St Modwen and Nuclear AMRC – say that they’re getting involved in CALMFest to help raise awareness amongst members.
“Mental wellbeing is incredibly important to us and our members,” said Tom Greatrex , CEO of the NIA.
“As a sector, we strive to promote an inclusive working culture by promoting a positive and healthy stat of being. We’re proud to support CALMFest, raising awareness of mental health and raising funds for a very worthy cause.”
Andrew Storer (pictured) is the Chief Executive Officer of Nuclear AMRC. He says that they’re involved with CALMFest to help create more conversations within the industry, to support mental fitness and harness energy.
He said: “The workplace is changing and it’s now even more important to support people to better navigate the challenges and opportunities of the post-covid world. We need to retain a healthy workforce and attract people to the sector, so it’s important to ensure the best environment we can for the welfare of our staff.
“We understand this, and that’s why we’re proud to be involved with CALMFest. Spiritual and emotional health, plus mental health, is just as important as physical health.”
Becky Cund, senior HR Business partner for St Modwen added: “Enhancing the wellbeing of our employees is key to the success of our business. Whilst in person activities are hugely impactful, CALMfest provides an opportunity for our colleagues to access wellbeing tools when it suits them in their chosen environment.”
Financial education specialist Matt Cullen will deliver a session on managing your money, Jamie Quince Starkey – founder of the Down to Earth project – will talk about the power of reconnecting people with nature and event organiser Sarah Markham is to share stories, data and a toolkit with delegates on how to develop techniques to create a balanced workplace culture.
Sarah, whose own issues with stress and anxiety inspired her to help others, said: “To do well, you need to be well; energy is our most precious resource, and we need to be more effective rather than more efficient.
“Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems we can face and focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of an emotion that is perfectly normal, but can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
“Six in 10 adults feel anxious, at least some of the time, but it can be made easier to manage with the right tools. Making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
“CALMFest promises to have something for everyone, including tools on managing anxiety, with a great mix of innovative, forward-thinking companies taking part. We’ll go through developing trusted relationships with others and building a sense of community in the workplace for a better work/life balance and, hopefully, those attending CALMFest will become armed with the tools to feel more equipped to find work/life brilliance.
“There will be key messages for people to take away from the sessions, and challenges to take part in. It will be fun, informative and also a fundraiser for Mind with the option to make a voluntary donation to the charity when they attend a session.
“Sessions will also be recorded meaning that they’ll be available for delegates to watch at their own leisure, up to seven days after the event.”
The event is fully booked but keep your eye on the CALM hub for details of our free monthly online events and upcoming community activity. For details visit www.calminabox.co.uk
