How SCG Supports Mental Health in the Workplace

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why mental health awareness is important.
• How Spencer Clarke Group supports mental health.
• What are the benefits of supporting mental health in the workplace?
• How to find and apply for the best jobs.

10th October is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity for people and communities to unite and emphasise that mental health is a human right. Mental Health awareness is more important than ever, and more and more businesses recognise the urgency and significance of providing support in the workplace.

At Spencer Clarke Group, we support mental health in any way we can through initiatives and attitudes that have had a positive impact on employees. As our understanding of mental health is developing all the time, it is important to provide measures to prevent or reduce work-related stress and support mental health in the workplace.

This World Mental Health Day, the theme is 'Mental health is a universal human right,’ and here at Spencer Clarke Group we support the notion that mental health should be accessible for everyone regardless of their background, age or circumstance.

Spencer Clarke Group recognises the importance of mental health in the workplace and actively supports it through various initiatives. Learn how we prioritise mental well-being and contribute to a positive work environment on World Mental Health Day and beyond.

Why mental health awareness in the workplace is important

It has been estimated that the average person will spend approximately 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. That’s one-third of your life at work.

Workplaces play a crucial role in creating an environment that enriches personal wellbeing, drives success and where everyone’s mental health matters. Work can be stressful, and deadlines, long hours or a lack of support at work can take a toll on people’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that around 822,000 workers in Great Britain suffered work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2020/21. It is important to have initiatives in the workplace to make employees feel supported and appreciated regardless of mental health related issues, life pressures or stress. In 2021, work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for half of all work-related ill health.

For those who don’t seek support for mental health outside of work, it is important to provide supportive measures in work and be considerate. Work can aggregate pre-existing conditions and bring on or make symptoms worse, therefore it is important to instil wellness programs to raise awareness and provide a better work environment.

How Spencer Clarke Group supports mental health

At Spencer Clarke Group, we are committed to raising awareness of mental health and driving positive and inclusive change at work. We value the importance of making employees feel safe, supported and their values understood. In our 2023 SCG Wellness Survey, 100% of employees believe that Spencer Clarke Group values their wellbeing.

Over the past few years, we've sponsored and donated to mental health organisations that support people's wellbeing, prioritise mental health and increase awareness.

In 2022, the Spencer Clarke Group team raised nearly £3k for Lancashire Mind by taking on Tough Mudder. Our Graphic designer, Luke Meeks, nominated Lancashire Mind, a charity close to his heart that campaigns to improve services promote understanding around mental health problems.

At Spencer Clarke Group wellness is crucial to empower employees and we have many initiatives including:

• Wellness classes such as yoga at work to wind down and step away from the business of life.
• Champion success, achievements and hard work with Employees of the Month and quarter. Recognising employees accomplishments allows us to feel supported, valued and motivated which can have a positive impact on mental health. And there’s the chance to win prizes too - including spa breaks and vouchers!
• 4 paid annual ‘Recharge Days.’ It is important to take a mental health day to recuperate or recharge. At SCG, we have Recharge Days, which reminds staff to take a day to rest and recover. Our 2023 SCG Wellness Survey revealed 89% of employees believe ‘Recharge Days’ improved their work-life balance. Taking less sick days and knowing that Recharge Days are available, allows employees to be more engaged and perform better.
• Interchangeable £50 monthly wellness benefit that can be spent on things which will enhance their wellbeing. 
• Breakfast clubs and free fruit - We understand the importance of providing healthy food and breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Our Happiness Heroes are responsible for maintaining company culture and organising events to keep everyone happy, healthy and engaged. They organise a monthly breakfast club to not only provide a healthy meal, but also to give everyone a chance to catch up or get to know each other. Data from the UK’s top employers found that 80% of companies have a wellbeing champion to drive initiatives through its wellness program.
• At SCG, we also sponsor a local football and netball team to encourage sport which can positively impact physical and mental health. 

At Spencer Clarke Group we also have a Wellness Project in place that aims to support the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of agency workers to enable them to focus and flourish in their roles. Some of these initiatives include:

• Wellness Hub - blogs that give you guidance about how to look after your mental and physical health, everything from tips and expert advice about bullying in the workplace, to interview tips and ways to beat stress. 
• Wellness Wednesdays - we send life and career hacks through our social channels.
• Monthly wellness newsletter- a monthly round up of our news and top tips emailed straight to you.
• Wellness goodies - opportunities to win wellness gifts such as relaxation candles, healthy snacks, skincare bundles and wellness books.
• Wellness charities - we financially support wellness charities through donations and activities to raise money and awareness for mental health and wellbeing. We believe that playing a part in the community can positively impact the lives of others and boost employee morale.

Benefits to supporting mental health in the workplace

There are many advantages to promoting workplace wellbeing and supporting mental health in the workplace. It can create a happier company culture, improve morale and create an environment where people can thrive. 

The 2023 SCG Wellness Survey demonstrated that 96% of employees believe that having a work-life balance is valued at Spencer Clarke Group. Employees that feel they are appreciated, understood and taken care of are more likely to remain loyal to the company that is having a positive impact on their life. This can increase engagement levels and performance rates.

Not only does it allow employees to prioritise their mental health and improve retention, but it can be commercially beneficial to the organisation’s productivity and performance.

If you’re an employer looking for wellness benefits to help your employees thrive, check out our guide or any of our blogs over at our Wellness Hub. 

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Based in the heart of Lancashire, we’re a recruitment agency with a passion for making a difference and having a positive impact on people, whether that be our employees, customers or clients. 

We are committed to reshaping the recruitment agency as well as matching perfect candidates and perfect clients. Since 2017 we’ve innovated the way we do business and are passionate about having a positive, inclusive organisation. 

We are proud to support mental wellness in the workplace and provide candidates with a job that has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.