There is growing evidence that shows the workplace can play an important role in shaping our wellbeing, by providing social connections, satisfaction and a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose. Work is an important part of our lives and we can often find ourselves operating in a very fast-paced environment. Therefore, it is essential that we take the time to educate ourselves and others and show support for mental health.
Our aim is to develop a culture and environment that fosters our wellbeing; where we all behave in a way that supports each other to be our best and fulfil our potential. Our wellbeing strategy provides direction and a common approach, ensuring we have the tools and resources for our people to utilise; from employee-led networks and courses to our formal support channels and much much more.
To mark World Mental Health Day 2023 we talked to some of the inspirational people within our company who dedicate their time to making our workplace a safe and mental health friendly space.
“As today is World Mental Health Day, it is a great opportunity to stop and reflect on our own wellbeing and share our experiences with each other. I want to help create an environment where all our people feel supported, able to work hard, enjoy it, and overcome the challenges that we will inevitably face, and then safely go home and enjoy time with friends and family.”
Jim, Managing Director Air & Mental Health and Wellbeing Sponsor
“With Mental Health First Aiders at each of our sites, QinetiQ is committed to a culture of care and a mentally healthy workplace. Our Mental Health First Aiders are all volunteers and happily give their time to stay up to date with the latest information and current thinking.”
Rebecca, People and Capability Administrator & AU Mental Health First Aider
“I am proud to say that QinetiQ has led the way in promoting and supporting a working environment and culture with education and training, chipping away at prejudice against people with mental illness and addictions. Always remember we all have complications – you, me, everyone – so I’m always considerate and respectful with anyone with whom I interact. Be open-minded; stop, pause and think. Be grateful for what you have, always remember time is precious, be open and talk things through, try and sleep well, walk and talk."
Mark, Director of Customer Accounts QinetiQ Target Systems and QTS Leader of Mental Health First Aid Training
“Poor mental health is not always visible, being aware of how mental health can affect people means that you can consider it in your daily interactions with people. My tip for dealing with mental health is to have resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. When stress, adversity or trauma strikes, you still experience anger, grief and pain, but you're able to keep functioning - both physically and psychologically. However, resilience isn't about putting up with something difficult, being stoic or figuring it out on your own. In fact, being able to reach out to others for support is a key part of being resilient.”
Karen, Project Manager and UK Mental Health First Aider
“Mental health in the workplace is important as by providing support to colleagues who are experiencing difficulties can create a more positive workplace. I genuinely want to try to help people to be in a better place and honestly think that early intervention can be a positive move. I also want to help to reduce the stigma and attitudes associated with people suffering from mental health issues.”
Nicola, Team Lead and UK Mental Health First Aider
“For a long time I’ve been a firm believer that mental health is very important and it’s something that I know that earlier on in my life I overlooked or put it down on my list of priorities. If people are not in a good headspace, then you can’t be the best person you can be. Everyone has good and bad days but if you are really struggling and you struggle for a long time, you need help and you can’t get through it on your own. Having people like Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace means there are people to help you start on the journey to turn poor mental health into positive mental health.”
Paul, Naimuri Delivery Lead and UK Mental Health First Aider
Visit our safety and wellbeing employee-offering page for more information.