Slowly and tentatively the UK workforce returns to the workplace. The way we conduct ourselves in our everyday lives will undoubtedly have changed. Understandably hygiene and safety remain high on the priority list for both employer and employee.
See the WHA advertorial on page 17 in Premises & Facilities Management publication (PFM) on why those in facilities management should always use a WHA Member for hydration provision.
During the past year the effects of Covid-19, isolating and lockdown have been challenging for all of us. Mental Health Awareness Week, running from 10 – 16 May, organised by the Mental Health Organisation, highlights what we can do to maintain good mental health.
1. Talk about your feelings – Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.
2. Keep Active – Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help concentration, sleep, and feel better generally. Exercise keeps the brain and other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health
3. Eat Well – Your brain needs a balanced mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well – just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.
4. Take a break – A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be simply taking a lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new – something we will be able to do very soon.
And of course Drink Sensibly – Water is an important element of maintaining good physical and mental health and dehydration may increase the risk of anxiety and depression, among other mental states.
So remember to reach for a refreshing cool glass of water regularly throughout the day. Test your hydration levels the next time you visit the loo with the WHA Healthy Hydration Chart.
WHA Member Eden Springs UK have taken enormous steps to ensure that their employees’ physical and mental health is boosted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During lockdown, a large number of their employees were working from home, and continue to do so. They were sent regular health and well-being communications including top tips when working from home, 10 minute desk work outs, and monthly well-being toolkits covering topics such as rest and sleep, back care and active minds.
DSE assessments were carried out for all home working employees, as well as providing all with useful advice on properly setting up a workstation to avoid any problems.
From April – June a company-wide step count challenge has been set up, encouraging employees to work together, get more active and generate some healthy competition between colleagues!
Colleagues from different departments have been forming teams using fabulous names like “Between a Walk and a Hard Place” and “Worst Pace Scenario”, logging their steps and winning prizes.
Weekly online lunch time mindfulness sessions were available to all employees, as well as running 2 NHS Mental Health First Aid courses. Eden Springs now have 17 Managers across the UK who are trained to recognise the signs of mental ill-health and support others to seek the right help.
Eden Springs UK are committed to continuous improvement for all and believe that by investing in training, it encourages employees to build resilience and strengthen their skills for future growth. They offer employees courses in Time Management, Mental Health Awareness, Developing Personal Resilience, Dealing with Change, Customer for Life and Coaching for Performance.