Everyone’s Linkedin is currently buzzing with positivity around World Mental Health Day, sharing endearing memes and showing cute gestures of appreciation that have been gifted from the People and Culture Departments. While the sentiment is absolutely beautiful, what’s happening on days when we’re not surrounded by the messaging, and how can businesses really begin to drive change?

The conversation about mental health shouldn’t be reserved to a day, or a month- but a commitment to supporting positive mental health everyday.

In a study from Beyond Blue, 90% of employees thought that mental health needed to be a priority in the work environment, yet only 50% of those actually felt that their workplace is mentally healthy. While countless studies show the positive impact of mental health and well-being in the workplace, it’s concerning that quantitative research still isn’t seeing a decline in the rates of mental health-related claims or illness.

Three Things I feel Could Make a BIG Difference

1. Present Check-Ins

When I first started at eSuite, I excitedly logged into my calendar to see what things already existed and to begin to get a lay of the way my new normal would function. I was so surprised to see a monthly wellness check-in. Not check-in for my performance, because I already have the opportunity to touch in on those weekly- but check-in on me, as a person. Excuse me, what? This opportunity allows me to really voice anything that I need. It allows me to take the time to discuss what might be going on. It’s a safe space. While we have the rules of personal vs professional, when you’re working in a team it’s hard to not have the outside impact inside. Whilst I might only be on week 5, it’s great to know that if I’m feeling any differently on week 8, I have space to discuss exactly how I am feeling.

2. Activities for Culture, That Don’t Create More Work

When you first get into any job that has cool industry events, like eCommerce, it’s easy to be the ultimate yes person. Yes to the free cheap Rose that will give you a headache, Yes to learning and absorbing the latest tech trends. Just YES! However, once you start to pepper in the high pressure of sales volume, big industry events and even team cultural events, it becomes really hard to prioritise your evolving workflow. Team Culture events shouldn’t need to always be after hours, particularly when you might already have someone investing their time to get the job done and keep their toes on trends. It doesn’t hurt to sometimes have those activities start during the workday. Allow the fun to take a little of time during the 9-5 and it will be more associated with work, and less associated with an extra curricular activity.

3. Hire Diversely

Diversity hiring can add SO much to a brand because it’s creating a beautiful world of inclusion. One huge point of mental health is often the perpetual feeling of feeling alone. Having a diverse workplace helps avoid creating a cliquey status quo. Diversity hiring has been found to be positive not only for employees but also for brands as brands with a higher-than-average gender and racial diversity engagement saw 46-58% better financial performance than companies that were below the median. Hiring is definitely our speciality, so if you have questions about this touchy one, our inbox is always open.