Time To Talk Day

Did you know 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace? And with people spending on average 84,365 hours at work over the course of their lifetime, we believe that this is an area that needs to be taken seriously.

There are many contributing factors to a poor state of mental health within the workplace, therefore, by putting in place the correct guidance and help we can ensure that everyone will feel comfortable enough to get help if they need it.

As part of our commitment to being the employer of choice for finance professionals, Skybound Wealth would like to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing within the workplace. With the 2nd of February being Time to Talk Day for mental health, we wanted to have an open and honest conversation with our Group Head of HR, Daniella Lee, to see what businesses can do to support employee mental wellbeing.

With 8 in 10 workers feeling shame and stigma when seeking treatment for their mental health, why do you think it is important for individuals to talk up about it at work?

Talking about mental health at work can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health issues. It also increases awareness and understanding of mental health, leading to a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Additionally, it can improve employee well-being by addressing and managing mental health concerns early on.

Why do you think Time to Talk Day is so important for people and organisations to observe?

Time to Talk Day encourages open conversations about mental health, which is an important shift that organisations should incorporate into the workplace to create a more supportive and inclusive environment. By talking about mental health, people can increase their understanding and support those who are struggling to create a culture of openness where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Observing Time to Talk Day also promotes the importance of mental health and well-being as a priority in both personal and professional settings.

What do you think are the key things that make Skybound Wealth a mentally healthy environment to work and do we have any existing or planned initiatives?

In my eyes, a healthy workplace is one that prioritises the mental well-being of its employees. Key factors that contribute to a healthy environment include:

• Open communication and support - encouraging employees to talk openly and providing suitable resources when needed.
• Work-life balance - promoting a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress and burnout.
• Inclusive culture - creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment that values diversity and does not discriminate against employees with mental health issues.

I am a huge believer in supporting employee’s mental well-being and certainly look forward to bringing in some new initiatives to Skybound Wealth further down the line.

With Time to Talk Day’s main priority being about helping individuals speaking up, is there anything that you would recommend to colleagues perhaps suffering from mental health but not yet seeking any advice?

Create a support system around you and reach out to friends, family, or coworkers to talk about their experiences too. Make sure to practice self-care by engaging in activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing, like exercise, meditation, healthy eating, and a good sleep pattern. Find healthy ways to manage stress like prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, taking breaks and also practicing relaxation techniques.

And finally, is there anything that you do yourself in your free time that helps you to tackle any stress that you might have?

Personally, I take myself outdoors to exercise, whether that’s going for a hike or a long walk with my dog, I always find it improves my overall mood. I like to step away from the screen as I find this really helps my sleep quality and when I am feeling particularly stressed I sign up to a yoga class, so I know in that 45 minute to 1 hour session, my mind is going to be completely relaxed.