Short of time? Here is the summary:
Prioritization of Mental Health: Emphasizing mental well-being as essential, not an afterthought, through roles like Mental Health First Aiders and Mental Health Champions, demonstrates a company's commitment to its employees' health.
Cultivation of a Supportive Culture: By fostering an environment that celebrates individuality and advocates for mental health resources, businesses can improve employee morale and satisfaction, making them more attractive places to work.
Destigmatization of Mental Health Conversations: Companies that promote open and non-judgmental discussions about mental health help to destigmatize these issues, encouraging employees to prioritize their mental well-being.
Enhancement of Productivity and Creativity: Contrary to common misconceptions, prioritizing mental health can actually boost productivity and creativity. Employees who feel supported are more engaged, motivated, and capable of innovation.
Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout: Early intervention and support through trained MHFAiders help employees develop healthy coping mechanisms, which can prevent severe issues like burnout and contribute to a more resilient workforce.
In the fast-paced world of digital, tech and creative, the wellbeing of employees is paramount. However, amidst multiple deadlines, the pressure to perform, and the ever-changing landscape, wellbeing can take second place to productivity.
Stress, anxiety, and burnout can silently permeate through teams, affecting productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing. This results in decreased engagement and productivity, coupled with increased absence levels and turnover.
Demonstrating Commitment to Employee Well-being
In digital, tech and creative businesses, where individuality is celebrated, cultivating a culture of care is essential. MHFAiders serve as ambassadors of this culture, advocating for mental health resources and initiatives. Having Mental Health Champions, or Mental Health First Aiders in place sends a powerful message: that mental well-being is a priority, not an afterthought.
By prioritizing mental health support, businesses demonstrate their commitment to creating a healthy and supportive work environment. This not only enhances employee morale and satisfaction but also helps attract and retain top talent.
Support and Intervention
Businesses may offer to train everyone in Mental Health awareness, to make every individual more self-aware and able to recognise the supports available as they need them. Would you rather someone took a couple of days off for self-care, or weeks or months off to recover from burnout? This requires a degree of self-awareness and a culture of support to be effective.
They can also choose to train Managers, HR or key staff as Mental Health Champions – these individuals are able to recognise signs or poor mental health in others and have the skills and confidence to have supportive conversations, alongside recognising the legal requirements around Mental Ill Health
Finally they may opt for MHFAiders who are trained to recognize the signs of mental distress and provide immediate support. In times of crisis or when someone simply needs to talk, having a trained MHFAider on hand can make all the difference. They offer a compassionate ear, practical advice, and access to resources, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need, when they need it most.
Destigmatizing Mental Health Conversations
By creating a wellbeing culture, where mental health is viewed as a natural part of overall health, rather than something to be ashamed of. And where mental health training is in place with policies support this, businesses are fostering open and non-judgmental conversations, destigmatising seeking help and encouraging individuals to prioritise their mental wellbeing. In doing so, they create an environment where creativity thrives, they receive reciprocal effort and loyalty from individuals and the stats all go in the right direction.
Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout
By providing early intervention and support, MHFA Champions and MHFAiders play a crucial role in building resilience and preventing burnout. They help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. In doing so, they contribute to a more resilient workforce that is better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of the digital and creative industries.
Enhancing Productivity and Creativity
Contrary to common misconceptions, prioritising mental health does not detract from productivity; it enhances it. MHFAiders who support the well-being of employees contribute to a more positive and conducive work environment. When individuals feel supported and valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and creative. As a result, businesses benefit from increased productivity, innovation, and overall performance.
Strengthening Team Dynamics and Trust
MHFAiders foster a sense of community and trust within teams. By being approachable and supportive, they create a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking help when needed. This strengthens team dynamics, fosters a sense of belonging, and promotes collaboration and cohesion.
Tailored Support for Unique Challenges
Digital and creative industries often come with their own set of stressors and challenges. From tight deadlines to the pressure to constantly innovate, along with a higher prevalence of neurodivergent employees, these sectors experience sigificant mental health risks.
Mental Health and wellbeing trainers who are familiar with the complexities of these industries can provide tailored support and coping strategies, ensuring that individuals feel understood and supported in their specific work environments.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced and demanding world of digital and creative businesses, the presence of Mental Health Champions and Mental Health First Aiders is not just beneficial; it's essential. By providing immediate support, destigmatizing mental health conversations, and fostering resilience and creativity, MHFAiders play a pivotal role in nurturing a healthy and thriving workforce. Investing in MHFA training is an investment in the well-being, productivity, and success of both individuals and businesses alike.
It's time to elevate mental health and make a difference—one conversation at a time.
Who am I?
I am Dee and I am passionate about improving people's lives. I help time pressured HR Teams and business owners to reduce turnover, improve productivity and loyalty by creating a healthy and thriving workforce.
With 35 years commercial experience, including 17 years in HR Management, 11 in the digital, tech and creative sector and 8 in Wellbeing, I have a breadth of experience to bring to any conversation. I am Co-Chair of the BIMA Wellbeing Council, Co-chair of the BIMA HR peer network and a member of the BIMA North Council.
I founded Dewa Consulting in 2018 and we provide a range of wellbeing training options, group and 121 coaching.
I am a qualified MHFA England instructor, GCologist, certified Emotional Culture Deck practitioner and licensed Menopause Coach.
Testimonials
MHFA Champion
Dee delivered the course with quiet confidence and technical competence, whilst also bringing a huge dose of empathy to the proceedings.
Some of the topics are hard to work through and she gave us the support we needed to work together as a team. It made me realise how prevalent mental health issues are .. and has provided an understanding of the subject that will enable me to be a better line manager and to know how to better look after my own mental health.
An excellent course, expertly delivered.
MHFAider
I wasn't sure what to expect at first from the course, everyone was made to feel very comfortable, our instructor checked throughout the day how we were and set out the rules, the subjects covered were intense in parts however how she went through them made everyone feel comfortable.
I left the course having learnt more about myself, how to deal with people confidently.
I cant recommend it enough it was brilliant
MHFA Youth Training
Dee was a fabulous instructor. She was kind, compassionate and considerate to all learners, accommodating all individual needs in a discreet manner.
She welcomed feedback, discussions and prior knowledge to be included by all, whilst making difficult topics engaging and provided a safe place for us to discuss openly.
I would be very interested in attending more courses run by Dee. Thank you!