World Mental Health Day 2024

The World Health Organisation consider wellbeing at work “a state of complete, physical, mental and social wellbeing” –therefore encompasses all areas of working life regardless of whether you are office based, work from home or participating in an event.

As an employer we don’t like to underestimate the importance of wellbeing in the work place, we consider it to be essential and mutually beneficial to us and our employees, especially as managing events is classed as one of the most stressful jobs you can have.

Whilst just a small team with limited resources we do try to do our best to support positive mental health where all of the team are excelling and thriving on the mental health continuum. In 2022 our MD, Victoria achieved NCFE CACHE Level 2 certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace and has since implemented numerous activities to support positive mental health:

• All of the team have access to 6 counselling sessions through our enhanced health benefits programme
• We have introduced Wellness Days, in addition to annual leave and different to accrued lieu which is essential after large event delivery. These days are granted often at short notice when employees can take a day just to recharge and take care of themselves.
• We have a CHO, Chief Happiness Officer (we take it in turns to take on this role) and they curate a programme of events to enhance the wellbeing of the team. In the past we have had a masseur in the office, pottery painting, fitness workouts and team meals.
• We Walk & Talk. We are lucky for our office to be based next to a nature reserve, park and the river so on a Wednesday we try to head out for a walk as a team, sometimes this can seem like an effort but we all feel so much better for it and enjoy the holistic aspect of the outdoors and nature.
• We have plenty of alternative spaces in our office if someone wants to work in a quieter space and naturally we have a flexible approach to working from home.
• We reflect on a Friday as a team with Rose, introduced by a member of the team we discuss our thorns, buds and roses of the week. This short catch up is so vital, allowing us as a team to join in a mindful activity that describes our emotions and reflects on the positives and challenges of the week.

It is not just in the office that we look to support positive mental health though we like to do it at our events too. Incorporating wellness and activities into event schedules is not new, but it is now getting the recognition it deserves and is imperative if you want to maintain engagement with you audience and avoid fatigue and boredom.

There is so much that you can do so simply from choosing healthy menus,  providing safe and quiet spaces away from the main event, reviewing the agenda to ensure plenty of refreshment breaks, start and finishing times are sensible. Of course ensuring catering considerations, reasonable adjustments and accessibility or communication requirements are all dealt with in advance means that delegates requiring reasonable adjustments can rest assured that they are not having to stress and deal with those factors on the day.

If you can take a more holistic approach try to incorporate outdoor activities and nature in to the day. This is proven to have a positive impact on mental health and is very easy to achieve.

On an event on the Portuguese coast, earlier this year, the first hour of each day was allocated to wellness. It was January but the sun was shining, the hotel was located overlooking the sea and within a 5 minute walk of the hotel along the beach all sorts of activities were taking place from energetic team games to individual meditation, all of which enabled participants to get some vitamin D, fresh air and boost those endorphins before coming together in the conference room.  In total there were 10 activities on the beach or the promenade which offered something for everyone including yoga, tai chi, boxing, volleyball and racquet ball, swimming, paddle boarding or simply running or walking the continuous 3km beach front promenade.

The cost was minimal but the benefits were felt all day, and were supplemented by having a balanced menu of meals during the event with lots of local and fresh produce.

We are always looking to do more, so hope that other companies share what they are doing this World Mental Health Day so that we can continue to improve, and if you want to see how we can support mental health at your next event do get in touch.

Have a look at some previous Chief Happiness Officer activities the team have done below!