A new agency hopes to inspire mental health and wellbeing in the workplace by delivering bespoke wellbeing events and services targeting businesses and their employees.
Healthy Minds Agency Ltd was set up by local businesswoman Martine Watker in order to offer education, advice and practical techniques to help manage stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace.
The UK Health and Safety Executive report that stress, anxiety and depression accounted for 57% of all UK staff absences in 2018, while this year, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reported that over a fifth of organisations now have one in four workers who suffer with stress.
Last year, the CIPD’s Health & Wellbeing at Work Report 2018 calculated that an employee receiving an average £27K salary costs approximately £12K to replace. However, stress has a human cost, too:
“I’ve seen so many colleagues, friends and family deal with mind health issues, often not understanding how or why they manifest. Suddenly they’re struggling at work and it’s affecting their livelihood.
“Employers have a duty of care for their staff, and responsible employers include mind health care and wellbeing within this responsibility. Employees who feel they are valued are less likely to leave, retention is key!” Martine Watker explained.
The events are designed to teach individuals how to spot the signs of stress, anxiety and depression and how to effectively manage these potentially harmful factors. They also include health, wellbeing and nutrition advice as well as practical techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT or ‘talking therapy’), Hypnosis, Breathing Techniques and ‘Desk Yoga’.
The agency’s first client, trade association The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), gave positive feedback after running sessions for their staff.
Simon Gray, EEEGR’s CEO commented,
“Like most businesses, we want to ensure that we are taking care of our team and appreciate that mental health and wellbeing can have an adverse effect on business if not recognised and managed correctly. We feel it is important that our team know that we care, that they are valued and that we are prepared to offer them support when needed. These events seem to be an appropriate method of achieving this”.
Martine Watker explains:
“The events are bespoke, educational and fun, offering a team bonding and motivational experience. The taster sessions offer practical coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. After the event a retainer package is offered to the employer which includes a discrete booking system for one to one sessions, group yoga and Personal Training (PT) sessions with the practitioners and employees. I’m confident we can make a real difference towards improving mind health and wellbeing in the workplace; helping employers retain motivated, happier employees”.
To learn more. please mail martine@healthymindsagency.co.uk
