Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, B&M have launched a Health and Wellbeing Policy into the company which sets out commitments to our staff in this area.
Physical and mental health is at the forefront of our staff agenda in an industry that continues to struggle with mental health. Research shows that the construction industry has a suicide rate four times higher than the national average and in 2017, 34% of construction workers surveyed by Ranstad stated that they had experienced a mental health condition in the last 12 months.
We understand how important having a good work-life balance is and we feel as employers we should go further than the standard duty towards health and safety. This is where our new policy comes in. It sets out the aims and responsibilities of not only the Management team, but also our employees too in creating and maintaining a healthy workspace.
Some of our aims include:
- Continually developing awareness of occupational health issues via training and staff meetings
- Fostering a culture that is open, supportive and free from bias and stigma
- Regularly reviewing out office environments to ensure we provide suitable facilities for staff that enable safe and happy working
- Encouraging mindfulness and promoting healthy lifestyles
The policy will be backed up by goals and objectives for the company. Our first objectives include Mental Health Awareness training for the Management Team and then the creation of a ‘Wellbeing Champion’ who will become Mental Health First Aid trained, so ensure we can provide the right support to people at the right time.
We believe a holistic approach to wellbeing is key to developing and retaining a happy and healthy workforce that can flourish and reach their potential. We also hope the increased light shined on wellbeing will enable and encourage others in the industry to ado the same.
Need support?
Construction Industry Helpline – 0345 605 1956
Mind – 0300 123 3393
Samaritans – 116 123
