Arcus are proud to support this year’s Mental Health Awareness week which runs from 9th-15th May and is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation.

With 1 in 6 workers experiencing problems such as anxiety, low mood and stress at work, investing in mental health support is more important than ever. Analysis by Deloitte has found that poor mental health costs the UK economy between £74 billion and £99 billion a year. They also found that investing in supporting mental health at work was good for business and productivity.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness campaign is combating loneliness by connecting with others. Workplaces provide important opportunities for staff to connect with colleagues and the team at Arcus recognise this. They ensure that policies on mental health support are included within their Health and Safety plan and any training for new staff.  This ensures that everyone is aware of what do to if they have concerns about a their own or a colleague’s mental health.

Director Nicola Cross said; “Helping our staff be happier at work is important to us and good for the business. We are always looking for new ways to support the team.”

Arcus have also appointed a Mental Health First Aider within the workplace who is trained to recognise early signs of mental ill health and support workplace wellbeing. Mental Health First Aider Jo Dunlop said “There is a lot that individuals can do to improve their own mental health, but having support at work can make all the difference.”

Arcus also support staff by promoting the principles of 5 Ways to Wellbeing at work which include being active, connecting, taking notice, learning and giving back to the community. This includes simple things that can be done on a regular basis to improve the daily routine. This includes;

  • Walking to someone’s desk instead of calling or emailing
  • Taking regular breaks from your desk
  • Going for a walk at lunchtime
  • Introducing plants and greenery in the office
  • Opening windows regularly to ensure plenty of fresh air
  • Having a ‘clear the clutter’ day
  • Promoting development for existing employees to learn new skills
  • Visiting a new place for lunch.