MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

At Greensquare mental health issues are close to our hearts and we think that there are lessons about employee wellbeing that other employers could well learn from the design industry.

Creativity only flows in a calm, nurturing, happy environment. so design studios have been in the vanguard of promoting work styles that can assist in promoting good mental health and work/life balance; for example comfortable breakout spaces or flexible work practices (because inspiration doesn’t only strike Monday to Friday 9-5!).

We know that it cannot all be lava lamps and bean bags in heavy industry or out on a farm but there are small almost cost free initiatives that could be adopted anywhere to make employees feel valued, let them know they are supported and their mental well-being taken seriously… perhaps instigate a regular judgement free feedback session where employees can talk about things that irk them and make suggestions for improving the workplace; maintain an open door policy where employees know they can talk about any problems work related or not. What about offering the option of taking a monthly “reset day” where employees can call in and simply say they need time to recharge? Maybe provide training in spotting and early interventions for mental health issues so everyone in the team is looking out for one another.

The list of things you can do to nurture your team’s mental wellbeing is endless of course and we are not being reductive of the issue when we say a well stocked biscuit tin is a good start!

The rewards for adopting a #bekind attitude as an employer are well documented – a happier, loyal, more motivated and productive workforce. The takeaway? Maybe your agency can offer support and advice beyond just design…