Morecrofts’ Managing Partner Alison Lobb gives her views on the importance of prioritising mental health as an employer.
This World Mental Health Day’s theme is Workplace Mental Health and I am delighted to see this as a global focus.
In recent years we’ve all been made hyper aware of the benefits of work-life balance, but it has run the risk of becoming a phrase we hear and say so much that it loses its meaning.
As an employer of more than 100 people, I was asked recently what our priorities are at Morecrofts, as we are regularly highlighted as a great place to work.
Our regular themes are inclusion, communication, and development.
Inclusion
As we are a firm which offers flexible and hybrid working, we always make sure inclusion is one of our top priorities.
We promote and deliver key internal networks such as a dedicated parents’ group which sees lots of our Morecrofts mums, dads and carers exchange information, advice, and tips through their own online portal.
We have a theatre group which regularly goes to see shows in and around Merseyside, a fantastic monthly book club, and a Green Team which hold regular meetups to discuss sustainability both at work and at home. As well as informing our staff, this group advises the management team of the firm on how we can further implement positive change in our own policies and procedures.
We host regular ‘whole firm’ socials which have in recent weeks seen lots of our people on a treasure hunt around the city.
Communication
Communication is the bedrock of good employment – particularly in a firm which sees so many people working different hours and in different locations.
We have a live intranet which is updated daily as well as a firm-wide WhatsApp group. We regularly talk to our people about their mental wellbeing and have even made the subject a mandatory talking point in our regular appraisal process.
We have mental health first aid professionals among our team who regularly meet with their colleagues as well as additional health benefits from Lawcare and MediCash, and we have brought speakers in to talk to all our people about health and lifestyle issues.
Development
Developing our people is always in key plans. We regularly arrange for our people to undertake training for both professional and personal development.
We know that giving opportunities for people to learn and grow has such a huge positive impact on mental wellbeing. The sense of purpose and the promise of investment are key factors when we look at our employment strategy.
At Morecrofts, our people work hard, and as employers, my partners and I make sure they feel seen and heard.
Everyone deserves to be in a safe space at work, to feel comfortable to raise a concern without fear. That’s what all employers have a duty to provide.
As well as general open-door policies, practiced psychological safety and accountability awareness, we’ve introduced benefits which feel useful and promote healthy working culture.
How we work has shifted at a faster pace in the last five years than it has in history. It’s our responsibility now to look after our own, our employees’ and our colleagues’ mental wellbeing in the workplace.
For more information on World Mental Health Day, visit Mental Health Foundation.