Championing mental health

Matt Parker at Babble explains why promoting good mental health is the key to a better workplace

 

Over the last decade, there has been a growing awareness of mental health. Whether it be through increased media coverage or people feeling more open to sharing their experiences, individuals are far more conscious of the mental wellbeing of those around them, including within the workplace.

 

With financial burdens rising, employee mental health has subsequently been impacted. Reports show that 79% of people say their financial situation is having a damaging impact on their mental health. Alarmingly, this extends even further with younger people. Gen Z are more likely to be out of work because of mental health problems than older generations.

 

Whilst awareness days should not be confined to a single day, week or even month each year, this Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity for employers to reflect on how they are supporting employees through these challenging times.

 

As figures like the above only increase, we must look at this year’s Mental Health Awareness theme, movement, as a catalyst to move away from traditional measures and reevaluate how we tackle this worrying time in the workplace.

 

At Babble, we have embraced a rounded approach to leadership where movement is championed. Our ’Fit to Lead’ leadership framework is rooted in three fundamental pillars of physical, mental and ethical fitness. Addressing contemporary societal and economic challenges that can impact mental health, this framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for leadership success that resonates with both seasoned employees and emerging Gen Z talent.

 

With mental health challenges evolving, a new approach to leadership helps navigate these changes and lead by example.

 

The benefits of physical fitness

This year’s theme of movement spotlights the positives that physical activity can have on mental health. Regular exercise has been proven to elevate energy levels, alleviate stress and anxiety, and bolster self-esteem. Our research shows this, with 51% of business leaders citing exercise as their preferred way to work on their mental fitness. However, with many jobs confining employees to their desks, how does this transcend into the workplace?

 

Physical fitness goes beyond the traditional benefits of exercise, such as strength or stamina. Movement helps fuel the wider energy of you and your teams helping improve your employees’ mental health.

 

The thing that has always struck me is there is a large proportion of riders at the Babble Ride Across Britain (RAB) in leadership positions. Leaders understand the connection between physical fitness and being a better leader, creating better working environments. A leader’s physical wellbeing guarantees better decision-making and the ability to inspire a team.

 

As leaders, it is vital we champion movement within our organisations, whether that be allowing time for employees to exercise during the day or introducing initiatives that allow for more movement within the job roles themselves. Leaders must recognise its pivotal role in promoting mental wellbeing. With the significant mental health benefits of regular physical activity, it should be embedded in not just a leadership approach but within the entire organisation.

 

Leading by example

Movement has first-hand altered the way I lead. For almost ten years, I have committed nine days each year to the Babble Ride Across Britain, a rigorous cycling journey spanning 980 miles.

 

Despite not being the greatest cyclist, RAB is an experience that brings me a sense of achievement. It also gives me time to reflect. And by that, I mean reflect on the business away from the business, offering vital space without the constant chatter of emails and daily humdrum of meetings.

 

Beyond being a physical challenge, it symbolises the shared purpose of one challenge that is inherent in effective leadership. Each year, members of the Babble team and our communities participate, helping to create a culture of collaboration and resilience that extends from the ride and into the office.

 

Changing your approach to leadership

As more external factors such as technology and social and economic impacts creep into the workplace, business leaders must adopt a progressive and adaptable approach to supporting their employees. Our research shows 69% of business leaders have already seen a demand from their employees for a change in how they approach leadership. Thus, effective workplace wellbeing initiatives must be customised and actionable, rejecting a traditional one-size-fits-all approach.

 

At Babble, we prioritise transparency through initiatives like our Happiness Score. Every week, employees share how happy they’re feeling at work on a scale of 1-10. I, and other members of Babble’s leadership team, reach out to those whose score may be of concern to understand what is happening for them, and, where the issue is work-related, to create positive change where we can. This allows me to not only lead by example but get the opportunity to speak with people across the entire business on a regular basis.

 

Implementing policies and practices that accommodate the diverse needs of employees is also a step that should be welcomed. Progressive policies, such as increased flexibility and a condensed workweek, in response to shifting expectations, are other factors we have implemented.

 

Our research shows that 38% of UK business leaders are leading by example by offering additional time away from work outside of holiday allowance (38%) so employees can take part in activities that promote mental and physical, in turn helping to improve their mental health.

 

Prioritising mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is not only imperative but also an investment in your organisation. By championing movement not only this week but throughout the year and beyond as well as embracing transparency, and creating a culture of inclusivity, employers can be part of an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally.

 

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Matt Parker is CEO at Babble

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Edwin Tan