The past year has brought sudden and unprecedented change. The pandemic has led to feelings of isolation, worry and uncertainty for many.
We’ve worked hard to keep things as close to ‘normal’ as possible, providing a COVID-secure workspace and conducting business as usual.
But providing a safe space in which to work is just the tip of the iceberg. We believe that employers must take a holistic approach to employee wellbeing in these testing times. And Time to Talk day is the ideal opportunity to take stock.
A major theme of Time to Talk Day is ‘The Power of Small’. That’s why we’re encouraging employees to check in on each other regularly. A simple ‘How are you?’ or ‘Is everything OK?’ could provide a colleague with an opportunity to open up.
Equally, we’re encouraging people to reflect on their own feelings, and spot the signs that they might need a little extra support themselves.
For those who feel they need more structured support, we have two Mental Health First Aiders in the business. They are trained to spot the signs of common mental health issues, providing non-judgmental reassurance and guiding the person to relevant sources of help.
The energy industry has a good reputation when it comes to employee health and safety. But according to campaigners, our psychological wellbeing needs to take equal precedence at board level.
Though there is still work to be done, we can all take small steps towards positive change simply by having honest conversations about our mental health. And as a business, we’re determined to provide a safe environment in which to have those discussions. So, although Time to Talk Day comes only once a year, its message should remain at the forefront of our minds as individuals, and at the top of our agenda as a business.