At Ouch L&D, we believe that a strong sense of wellbeing is the key to a happy and productive life, so our approach to supporting our team’s mental and physical health goes beyond policies. We want to create an environment where our team feels valued, supported, and empowered to prioritise their mental and physical health. This month, as we prepare to observe World Mental Health Day on 10th October, we’re reminded of the importance of mental health awareness and the measures we can take to support ourselves and each other.
World Mental Health Day, launched by the World Mental Health Foundation in 1992, is a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and calling for action to address mental health issues across the planet. At Ouch, we recognise the significance of this day and continuously work to create an environment that champions mental health and wellbeing.
To cultivate a supportive workplace, we’ve implemented several initiatives that promote both physical and mental wellbeing:
Midday Mile
One of our most cherished traditions is the Midday Mile. Every day at noon, our team steps away from our desks to enjoy a mile-long walk together, accompanied by our beloved Ouch dogs. This daily ritual not only helps us clear our minds, but also builds camaraderie and refreshes our spirits, enhancing our productivity for the rest of the day.
“I love the Midday Mile. It’s a great break that boosts my energy and brings our team closer. Plus, having the Ouch dogs join in makes it even better.” – Simon
Find our more about the midday mile here.
Gym Membership
We understand the vital connection between physical fitness and mental health, which is why Ouch provides all employees with a paid gym membership. By removing financial barriers to exercise, we encourage our team to embrace a healthier lifestyle, reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing.
“Having a paid gym membership through Ouch is fantastic. It makes being active so much easier.” – Gemma
Bring Your Dog to Work
Our ‘bring your dog to work’ policy is another unique aspect of our wellbeing culture. The presence of our furry friends not only makes the office more enjoyable but also promotes relaxation and social interaction.
“Bringing our dogs to work is such a joy. It makes the office more fun and helps take care of them during the day.” – Kim
Staff Development
We are deeply committed to the growth of our employees. Ouch invests in continuous education and professional development, encouraging team members to pursue interests beyond their current roles. This commitment to learning fosters well-rounded individuals and a rich, dynamic workplace.
We offer a range of courses to support our team understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including:
- Mental Health First Aid
- Mental Health Champion
- Mental Health Awareness
- Mental Health First Aid (Youth)
- Mental Health Awareness (Youth)
- Stress Awareness
- Stress Management
These courses equip our employees with essential skills to manage their own mental health and support colleagues. If you see something here that could benefit your workplace, please click the links above or contact us directly.
The Role of Mental Health First Aiders
Our trained Mental Health First Aiders play a crucial role in supporting workplace mental health. They are equipped to:
- Identify early signs of mental health issues
- Start supportive conversations
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Assess risks and encourage professional support
- Maintain confidentiality and protect themselves while helping others
Being a mental health first aider is a vital role, and it’s important that those who take it on are fully prepared and understand their responsibilities.
Coping with Stress
We acknowledge that stress is a natural reaction to life’s pressures, but chronic stress can significantly impact both physical and mental health. Effective strategies for managing stress include spending time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in hobbies.
If you believe that there may be an issue with stress in your workplace, please get in touch with us today to discuss our course options relating to the management and awareness of stress.
Conclusion
As we approach World Mental Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our team in their mental health journeys. Through initiatives like the Midday Mile, gym memberships, a pet-friendly office, and extensive development opportunities, we aim to create a workplace where everyone’s wellbeing can thrive.
Explore our courses today to see how Ouch Learning and Development can support your wellbeing journey.