Why Mental Health & Well-Being Should be a Priority

Advertising is a high octane, stressful environment, everything is deadline driven, the pressure is relentless and the stakes are high to create and deliver the best work. This combined with the many external pressures that people have to cope with such as family issues, financial problems, Brexit and terrorist attacks mean that as an employer we have to be extra vigilant to safeguard people. Plus – we should promote an environment where people feel that they can talk about these issues openly, if they choose, and provide the right confidential support and advice.

Getting Fit in the Brain 

I recently completed a mental health first aid training course via Mental Health First Aid England. I was inspired to raise awareness in the agency and to get everyone involved in thinking about simple things they could do to take care of their mental well-being.

We have run a number of talks and initiatives throughout the year to support good mental health and have a great employee assistance programme in place. World Mental Health Day, which took place yesterday on October 10^th, provided us with a vehicle to raise more awareness of the issue.

We put a team together to come up with simple, cost effective ideas to support and encourage mental health fitness.

A Day's Worth of Activities

We began the day with a meditation session led by a local practitioner. And the feedback was really positive. It seems people are already trying to incorporate these practices into their commutes and lives outside work.

We transformed our breakout areas into mindful colouring stations to encourage people to take short breaks and spend time with their colleagues. Some even held short catch-ups while colouring. And we provided a selection of hydrating teas and healthy snacks throughout the day for people to try as an alternative to the usual coffee-and-croissant habit.

At lunchtime there was a guided mindfulness walk and run to remind our employees of the importance of leaving the desk to get some fresh air and clear their heads. It really does help to keep you more focussed for the rest of the day. Even better when it's done as a group activity; then you have the support and encouragement to actually do it.

Lessons Learnt

All this was great but best of all was that it got people talking about these issues and sharing their own experiences. It stimulated conversations that don’t usually happen and it definitely brought us a lot closer. Tribal’s aim now is to ensure that we keep these conversations going and this topic alive in the agency.

It’s important for us all to notice that, no matter how people appear on the outside; each and every one of us has a microclimate of stress around us. Once people realise that they are not alone in this and that they are supported, then we can focus on cultivating a better working environment. 

Mental health does not discriminate. My advice, if you are worried about someone, is to ask how they are feeling, don’t try to solve their problems, and encourage them to seek professional advice - either from their GP or employee assistance programmes. In addition, NABS - the industry charity has a comprehensive advice line  or IAPT. Finally, and most importantly, always look after yourself!