World Mental Health Day 2019

World Mental Day is on 10th October 2019, the day focuses on raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and supporting the efforts being made globally. 

Paying attention to mental health in the workplace has never been more important. In the UK alone, the Mental Health Foundation states that 14.7% people experience mental health problems in the workplace. 

The working environment has a huge impact on an individual’s mental health and equally, an individual’s mental health can have a significant impact on their performance at work. The impact of mental health is increasing year on year, it is an issue that employers should look at addressing openly and sensitively. 

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) have said that there are key triggers for stress within the recruitment industry such as heavy workloads, long hours that threaten work/life balance and the pressure to meet targets. Their recent survey found that the recruitment sector can be a stressful working environment with around 82% of consultants claiming to be stressed whilst at work. 

Despite this high figure, leaders within the industry are beginning to proactively support mental wellbeing. The REC found that 16% of employers have a defined mental health strategy in the workplace, with a further 37% planning to introduce one in the next 12-months. 

People is the first of Spencer Ogden’s corporate values. We are focused on creating an environment where our people’s wellbeing is at the forefront of our goals. 

We are using World Mental Health Day to launch our #SOWellbeing programme, which will focus on our continued commitment to overall wellbeing in the workplace. Over the next 12-months, this programme formalises our commitment to Mental Health awareness in the workplace, removing stigma around mental health and around how we think and act about mental health.