Christina Kelly
As we celebrated World Mental Health Day this year, we at Reward Gateway | Edenred (RGER) took the opportunity to focus on the vital theme: "Mental Health at Work." With much of our lives spent in the workplace, it’s essential to recognise how our work environments impact our mental health—both positively and negatively.
🧠 Why Mental Health at Work Matters
This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the critical connection between mental health and the workplace. A supportive work environment enhances productivity, personal growth, and job satisfaction, while a negative atmosphere can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Did you know that 15% of working-age adults live with a mental health condition? This eye-opening statistic underscores that mental health concerns affect everyone—from individual employees to entire organisations. When these issues go unaddressed, they can impact wellbeing and productivity. Conversely, a mentally healthy workplace nurtures confidence, purpose, and social inclusion—benefiting both individuals and teams.
At RGER, we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to seek help. Our HEART Wellbeing Network, in partnership with Unmind, offers a wealth of resources and tools to help you manage your mental wellbeing—not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day.
⚠️ Recognising the Risks to Mental Health at Work
Several workplace factors can influence mental health, including:
- Excessive workloads and tight deadlines
- Lack of clarity in job roles or responsibilities
- Job insecurity
- Discrimination, exclusion, or harassment
- Insufficient support from colleagues or leadership
Addressing these risks is a shared responsibility. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice their concerns and seek assistance.
💡 Taking Action for Your Mental Health
Supporting your mental health at work doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
- 🧘 Take regular breaks: A quick walk or a mindful moment can help reset your focus.
- 🗣️ Communicate openly: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your manager or a trusted colleague.
- 🛑 Set boundaries: Ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- 🤗 Connect with others: Building supportive relationships can make a significant difference.
- 🛠️ Utilise your resources: Leverage tools like Unmind and your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for tailored self-help options.
💙 How We’re Supporting RGERs
At RGER, our people's mental health is a top priority. In addition to our ongoing resources available through our
HEART Wellbeing Programme and Unmind, we hosted a variety of events throughout October to honour World Mental Health Day, including:
- An informative Unmind webinar on World Mental Health Day that provided insights on "Crafting Workplaces Where Mental Health Can Flourish," along with top tips and competitions.
- A week-long blog series titled ‘The RGER Employee Experience,’ where our HEART Network shared stories, ideas, and tips to illuminate mental health within our workplace.
- A special session with former professional cricketer Patrick Foster, who shared his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction.
- Exciting recognition treats, including our latest wellbeing eCards designed by one of our talented designers, which employees could send to colleagues.
🤝 Let’s Build a Mentally Healthy Workplace Together
This World Mental Health Day, we invite everyone to commit to making work a positive force for mental health. Whether through attending events, using tools and benefits, or simply checking in with a colleague, there are many ways to prioritise mental wellbeing. Remember, it's perfectly okay to not be okay—seeking help is always encouraged at RGER.
Thank you for reading! We look forward to sharing more insights and experiences in the future. Let’s keep mental health at the HEART of everything we do—today and every day. 💚