Recent figures highlight the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace. With one in four people experiencing mental health problems in their lifetime, and accessibility to mental health services a critical issue, proactive measures are essential.
According to the Centre for Mental Health, the UK loses 15.8 million days of sickness annually due to mental ill health, emphasising the need for robust support mechanisms.
Previous articles have explored business-charity partnerships. This month we showcase an excellent example, Northants Working Minds, piloted here in Northampton, between the London-based Minderful Ltd and the Northamptonshire Mind charity. It is the brainchild of Matt Bushell, Business Development Lead at Minderful.
Empowering workplace culture
Northamptonshire Mind has long been dedicated to transforming and providing mental health services in the region. Its award-winning, innovative approach is centred on improving health and well-being through a variety of preventative and recovery-focused services. These services are designed to support and empower individuals in their mental health journeys, emphasising resilience and proactive care.
Minderful brings extensive experience in enhancing workforce health, morale and productivity through behaviour change methodologies. Together, the partnership supports organisations in understanding their culture, assessing the mental health and wellness of employees, and creating thriving workplaces.
This collaboration aims to work with 60 Northamptonshire organisations, celebrating Northamptonshire Mind’s 60th anniversary. Northamptonshire Mind was recently chosen as an official charity partner by the Accor Group’s Northampton Town Centre Hotel, where the initiative was launched.
Strategies for lasting change
Northants Working Minds isn’t solely focused on addressing mental health issues; it’s about cultivating a culture of wellness. The initiative employs proven behaviour change methodologies to assess and transform organisational culture.
This approach ensures that wellness initiatives are firmly anchored in the organisation’s values and aligned with business performance goals. By fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, the initiative aims to reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity, and improve overall employee satisfaction.
Connecting workplace and community
A distinguishing feature of Northants Working Minds is its integration of workplace mental health interventions with community-based support programmes. This includes social prescribing and crisis cafes, which offer resources and support outside the workplace.
By leveraging community resources such as green spaces for active travel and exercises in nature, the initiative provides holistic support to employees, enhancing their wellbeing both at work and in their personal lives. Unlike traditional Employee Assistance Programmes, Northants Working Minds offers community-specific opportunities to boost wellbeing and productivity.
Financial case
Investing in mental health isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic imperative. Poor mental health in the workplace leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and high turnover rates, all of which impact the bottom line.
According to Deloitte, for every pound invested in mental health, there’s a return of £5 in improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs. By prioritising mental health, organisations not only fulfil their CSR but also drive tangible business outcomes, enhancing employee wellbeing and organisational performance.
Transformational change
Northants Working Minds also focuses on tackling the stigma associated with mental health, aiming to cultivate psychological safety and create conditions where employees feel valued and supported. This fosters a more engaged and resilient workforce.
The goal is to engage 60 organisations across the county. By fostering a culture of wellness, integrating community support, and making a compelling business case for mental health, this partnership between Northamptonshire Mind and Minderful is poised to create transformational change in Northamptonshire’s business community.
Why not join them? Keep it in mind.
Organisations interested in joining this transformative journey can contact Matthew@Minderful.com
Adrian Pryce DL
Associate Professor Strategy & Society CSBP University of Northampton
Nick Prior
Founder Minderful
James Harrop
Founder Minderful
