It’s Good to Talk

This week features the nationwide ‘Time to Talk Day’. Sam Redman, our Director of Human Resources, talks about the importance of making space for a conversation about mental health in the workplace.  

In today’s fast-paced work environments, it can be easy for conversations about mental health to take a backseat. However, recognising and addressing mental health concerns in the workplace is essential for fostering a healthy and thriving work environment. And a significant initiative that shines a light on this crucial aspect is ‘Time to Talk’ Day. 

The primary goal of the annual awareness day, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, is to break the silence surrounding mental health, encouraging colleagues to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It acts as a catalyst for creating a culture where discussing mental health is not only accepted but actively encouraged.  

I’m proud to work for a company, which actively promotes these open conversations. At Innovus, we believe human contact is the driving force behind successful businesses and that talking to colleagues can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, so we actively promote a friendly, collaborative working environment.  

We also provide an Employee Assistance Programme, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, plus we also have a group of colleagues, who have all been trained on Mental Health First Aid. They are basically someone who anyone can call if they’re feeling low or under any emotional distress. They’re not therapists or counsellors, but they will listen without judging, provide reassurance, and can help with the right pathway to get the appropriate professional help if needed.  

We recognise that the impact of ‘Time to Talk’ Day extends beyond just a 24-hour event. It serves as a useful reminder for ongoing conversations and promoting a culture where checking in on colleagues’ mental wellbeing becomes a natural part of our workplace dynamic.