It’s World Mental Health Day today and in workplaces all around the world, people are taking part in all sorts of activities to promote awareness of mental wellbeing. Some people are raising funds for mental health support organisations, other people are baking cakes and coming together to connect and share stories. Some organisations have been encouraging their people to focus on movement and exercise. Many people will spend time today reflecting on ways they can improve their mental wellbeing. A question which comes up a lot in discussions we have with clients is “What should organisations prioritise when it comes to workplace mental health?”. It’s a good question, but not always an easy one to answer. But don’t fear, for fans of simple answers to simple questions, there is hope, so do read on!
Doctors, mental health professionals and neuroscientists are all agreed that there are a number of key things which can positively influence our mental health. Dr Phil Hammond coined the phrase “CLANGERS” (Connect, Learn, be Active, Notice and Give back, Eat well, Relaxation and Sleep). A simple answer, then, to the question might be that organisations should make sure that they inform their people about the CLANGERS factors and that they encourage them to find ways to ensure that they can bring these things into their daily lives. While that is simple to say, it’s not always simple to achieve. Many people have demanding jobs and busy lives so finding spare time to commit to regular activities which are enriching can be very difficult. Employers who can support their people to free up time to connect, learn, volunteer, exercise etc. are to be applauded, of course, but in many organisations, deadlines and client requirements too often have to take priority. So, what can be done?
Running clubs, social events, sponsored walks, Pilates, free fruit and book clubs are wonderful things to have in any organisation, but no single club or initiative will appeal to everyone. What interests me and improves my wellbeing, may not work for you. Also, there may be cost involved which can be a barrier. There is, however, one thing employers can do which costs absolutely nothing and which can improve wellbeing and productivity. Ensuring that people taking their lunch break, instead of skipping or curtailing lunch and, wherever possible, spending some of it outdoors (ideally in nature or green space) can lead to better physical health and psychological wellbeing. A study of 20,000 people by the University of Exeter (White, et al 2019 Scientific Reports, 9,7730) concluded that people who spend at least 120 minutes a week outdoors in nature, are substantially likely to experience good health and wellbeing than those who do not.
So, if you are looking for ideas for ways to make small changes which can substantially improve wellbeing, at no cost, just making sure people take a lunch break is a great place to start. You can go further, of course. Savouring (paying attention while eating) a healthy meal which has been made at home, or looking forward to something delicious from a favourite cafe/shop also brings benefits and if you can also add in a half an hour walk in green space while taking in the surroundings, you are well on the way to ticking 3 or 4 of the CLANGERS’ boxes in the space of one lunchtime.
Whatever you are doing to mark World Mental Health Day, we at OMHAS hope that you enjoy it, but more importantly, we hope that you are able to make small simple positive changes to prioritise wellbeing for the rest of the year too, and beyond!
Jennifer Nicol, Director
OMhAS Ltd
10th October 2024