Why should employers take responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their employees? 

The law aside, which isn’t clear enough or enforced often enough, in my opinion, to what degree should an employer invest in promoting health and mental wellbeing in the workplace?

I ask this, not as an academic, but because I can tire of the tick-boxing I witness when asked to deliver a mindfulness taster for a workforce, who need a lot more than 2 hours of meditation. I ask this, because it is too easy to skim over the centrality of a person’s mental health in their reason for being, which by the way, is not to be productive...rather to be sentient, engaged, creative. When we exercise these human needs and skills, the fruits of our creativity can lead to innovation, excellence and profitability. Oh, and I forgot, to happiness. 

Many businesses cover their base by ensuring a minimum number of mental first aiders, who, as a result of the training, possess a rudimentary knowledge of mental health diagnostics and a willingness to make themselves available to help their colleagues. Most admirable, but misses the point about what we really need from our employers. We want them to exercise an emotional intelligence around how to help people who are struggling in their lives, and for this respectful sensitivity to inform policy and practice. We want them to truly believe that their people are their greatest asset, and as such invest resources in relating to this asset with authenticity and dignity. 

Now, I have revealed why I spent a large part of my career working in charities and public services. I chose to place my values at the heart of my livelihood. I still do today, though I have mellowed and allow myself to get moral hands dirty in uncomfortable tick-boxing in the name of mental health awareness days. We all have to pay the mortgage right? So, no blame coming from this deluded mindfulness coach. Rather the courage to speak my truth, alongside playing the game, while appreciating the invitation of this network to hear each other. Thank you. I look forward to your perspectives.