Returning to work when maternity leave is over
Lucy Swan, internal mental health first aider at Munro’s Travel, outlines some of the anxieties which can accompany the return to work after maternity leave and how to limit these feelings.
Mental Health Column
The generational gap of acknowledging mental health in the office
The stigma attached to mental health is still very real. It’s not a single moment in time, but something you may or may not need to cope with regularly over your entire working life and beyond.
Welcome new staff, ‘have a coffee and a chat’
The end of March was my four-year anniversary as part of the Energy Voice team. On the one hand, it feels like time has flown by. On the other, it also feels like ages ago when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill.
Education and support is vital to turn the tide on mental health issues
Despite ongoing national and global campaigns focusing on improving mental health and awareness, millions of working days are lost, with the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) highlighting that for the year of 2022/2023, the UK reported the highest level over 15 years.
Open up and let’s get the life balance right
When I started my career, I was the first year group to receive a personal laptop. Access to email was not widespread, files were paper and your best friend was your giant key calculator (or an ‘adding machine’, real old school auditing).
The gift of safeguarding wellbeing
The holiday season is upon us, and while it's often considered ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it can also be one of the most stressful and overwhelming for some, if not many.
Industry collaboration is required to change minds and save lives
As an industry, we’ve made good progress in mental health support, but we need to do more. According to a study by the International SOS Foundation, which looked at the mental health vulnerabilities for remote and rotational workers, 40% of respondents experience suicidal thoughts while on duty.
The landscape of mental health is changing but there’s more to be done
Fifty years ago, Offshore Europe first came to Aberdeen, and this month, the world renowned exhibition and conference marks its special 50th birthday.
Our business is our people – if we take care of them, they will take care of us
Mental health initiatives and support are often introduced reactively when there is already a problem.
What role do business leaders have in creating a mentally healthy workplace?
Never has the wellbeing, and mental health of the work force, been such a talked about topic, with the Covid-19 pandemic bringing mental health to the forefront of employee/employer conversations.
Building awareness for a brighter future
When the opportunity to write this piece came about, I jumped at the chance. Not only because I feel strongly about the importance of our mental health for our daily wellbeing, but because I’ve been delving deeper and deeper into this area personally over the last 10-12 years, trying to expand my knowledge and awareness about why I have behaved, reacted or felt the way I have to certain situations throughout my life. Exploring why I have felt the way I have has been an interesting ride – and it’s not been easy. Confronting yourself is always more difficult than confronting others and being someone who is an avid avoider of confrontation that is saying something!
Pave your own path to a healthier life and planet
April 7th marks the World Health Organisation’s World Health Day, where this year’s focus is “Our planet, Our health”. It states that “global attention on urgent actions (are) needed to keep humans and the planet health and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing”.
Mental health column: The anxieties of moving home
Moving home is up there with being one of the most stressful things alongside divorce and bereavement. We need to bear in mind that not everyone is excited about moving or is moving through choice. It could be down to a breakdown in relationship and family life, the death of a loved one or financial issues.
Your New Year mental wellbeing at work
We’ve made it to 2022, it’s easy to think 'how are we still in this situation!?' You could be forgiven for feeling like 2021 almost didn’t happen. That old saying ‘two steps forward three steps back’ comes to mind. But it’s more important than ever to focus on your own mental wellbeing and for companies to focus on employee metal health and wellbeing now.
The gift of better health & wellbeing
It’s hard to believe it’s December already. As another year closes, I ask you to consider, what has 2021 shown about your general wellbeing, particularly your mental health?
Mental health column: Employers, colleagues, friends…speak up when you need to
In case you missed it, World Mental Health Day was a couple of weeks ago and we saw friends, family, celebrities, and various organisations post their support on social media platforms, but how many actively encourage good mental health practices?
Finding a mental health balance amid the pandemic
Starting a new job during the pandemic was a daunting task, especially given the uncertainty not just in our industry but globally caused by the pandemic.