We have an announcement today for November's Conference, that I personally think might be the most important yet.
It's a subject that can be at once immensely private, but one that it is vital to destigamatise and encourage open discussion around. We're talking mental health. - and specifically the impact that poor mental health amongst ourselves and our colleagues can have on the workplace.
Running a workshop at the Conference will be Abigail Kimber, who is a client development consultant at Mental Health First Aid England. Abigail says she is " . .dedicated to normalising attitudes and behaviours around mental health in all areas of society." Which is a fine ambition to hold.
Any effort to help those who are suffering the terrible, debilitating affects of poor mental health should be applauded. And of course, looking out for signs in those around us who may be struggling is something we could all do with being made more aware of. Once having identified someone who may require our help, knowing what steps to take next is paramount.
As alluded to previously though, I believe the context of Abigail's session at the Conference will be considering why it's crucial to look out for ourselves, friends and teammates not only for an individual's well-being, but also for the wider benefit of the business as a whole.
People who know a lot more about this subject than I do, say that the success of any organisation is deeply intertwined with the well-being of its employees. Mentally healthy staff members are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity. There is likely to be fewer cases of absenteeism, meaning less strain on colleagues. Happy staff engage more productively with customers. And a workplace that prioritises mental health tends to have lower turnover rates of employees, saving both time and money.
Being conscious of not being mercenary about these matters, but it's true to say business-owners are in business to make profit. There's no shame in that. If a staff member is unwell and suffering, in a small business such as an independent dealership it seems fair to assume there will be a direct correlation to the overall performance of the company. Therefore it must be imperative that help is sought and offered for the betterment of all.
In her presentation Abigail will no doubt look at what we can mean exactly by poor mental health as well as methods a business might employ to support colleagues who are struggling. From doing some quick reading around the subject, engendering a mentally healthy work environment could include ideas such as making sure the dealership fosters an open and non-judgmental culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Perhaps counseling services or employee assistance programs could be offered. Always making sure to promote a sensible work / life balance is crucial - as is educating teammates and managers about mental health awareness and how to recognise signs of distress in a colleague.
I must say, I am very much looking forward to hearing exactly what Abigail has to say on the subject come November. I suspect almost everyone reading this today will know a friend, a family member, a work colleague, or even themselves, who has either gone through or is currently experiencing a period of darkness. Having an expert on hand at the Conference, who is experienced in delivering assistance to other industries with similar demographics and pressures to ours, will be a genuinely welcome addition.
Hopefully she will start some conversations which can lead to positive change.
