As today is World Mental Health Day 2023, we thought it was the perfect time to announce that recently Hey Me has become a Mindful Employer by signing the Mindful Employer Charter while also making the Mental Health at Work Commitment. By signing the Charter, we are expressing our determination to support the mental wellbeing of our staff.

 

As we take this significant step, we wish to share why mental health is so important to us and why you should also consider becoming a signatory of the Mindful Employer Charter and Mental Health at Work Commitment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Mindful Employer Charter?

 

Established in 2004 by the NHS, the Mindful Employer Charter recognises employers who are dedicated to supporting mental health in the workplace, regardless of where they may be in their journey. We fully embrace the values which make up the Charter, with some examples including:

 

• To provide non-judgmental and proactive support to staff with experience of mental ill-health.
• To support line managers in managing mental health in the workplace.
• To make it clear that people who have experience of mental ill-health will not be discriminated against.

 

What is the Mental Health at Work Commitment?

 

Similarly, the Mental Health at Work Commitment consists of a framework that has been developed with the knowledge and expertise of mental health charities, leading employers, and trade organisations. The framework serves to further employers’ understanding of the importance of promoting staff wellbeing and sets out six clear standards which we take great pride in encompassing into our values:

 

• Prioritise mental health in the workplace by developing and delivering a systematic programme of activity.
• Proactively ensure work design and organisational culture drive positive mental health outcomes.
• Promote an open culture around mental health.
• Increase organisational confidence and capability.
• Provide mental health tools and support.
• Increase transparency and accountability through internal and external reporting.

 

Mental Health is a priority at Hey Me

 

At Hey Me, all our staff work flexibly, enabling them to choose a time to work which best suits them. We take into consideration any personal commitments or challenges employees may be facing and offer a flexible working routine as we believe the need for flexibility can be a barrier to employment and sustainable, fulfilling careers.

 

We strive to create a company culture that nurtures mental wellbeing. We believe a cultural shift in attitudes is necessary for generating successful change which continues over the long-term. Being proactive and engraining mental health in your company’s values is likely to have a lasting impact on team members.

 

Over the past years we have featured a range of blogposts which can be found in our  insights section, covering the subjects of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. We feature valuable guidance and resources that we recommend.

 

Why should you also sign the Mindful Employer Charter and make the Mental Health at Work Commitment?

 

The frameworks that are taught to employers clearly define a list of procedures companies can adhere to in order to support and improve the mental health of their constituents. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development states “actively promoting wellbeing leads to greater staff productivity, morale and retention, and reduced sickness absence and ‘presenteeism’”.

 

A survey by the Mental Health Foundation has shown that 29% of people said work had caused anxiety. By joining us and signing pledges and quality marks which promote supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, we can endeavour towards creating positive, supporting, and accepting work environments.

 

 

We feel excited to join the thriving movement of other signatories of the Mindful Employer Charter and Mental Health at Work Commitment and are proud to be recognised as a company that supports mental health and wellbeing.

 

You can learn more about the Mindful Employer Charter here and the Mental Health at Work Commitment here. Learn more about Hey Me here: about us.