Mental Health at Work

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Calmer commissioned to launch project to understand the demands and impact on mental health for gig economy workers

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Calmer commissioned to launch project to understand the demands and impact on mental health for gig economy workers

The Calmer team are delighted to announce that we have been commissioned to identify how best to support London’s gig economy workers. After extensive research into the issues, we have launched a survey for gig workers to have their say up until 20th November, and following this we will host a free webinar, open to gig workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses who are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of those in the gig economy.

“We are delighted to have been commissioned to support Londoners who are reliant upon virtual platforms for their work.” said Tania Diggory, Founder & Director of Calmer. “This issue uniquely — though not exclusively — touches on large urban communities that rely on shift, support and delivery services, without acknowledging the workers providing these services. These are often physically demanding jobs with workers either riding bikes or standing on their feet for hours, adding bodily stress to other stresses more common to London workers.”

A guide to looking after your mental health at work

A guide to looking after your mental health at work

As we approach World Mental Health Day on 10th October, an annual event promoted by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), this year's theme has been announced as Mental health is a Universal Human Right.

While most of us know the importance of looking after our mental health, this can become more difficult in working environments where there are often many distractions. In busy offices or other workspaces, prioritising our mental health can take a back seat while we focus on client deadlines, communicating with colleagues, career progression and many other elements. However, despite the distractions, there are things you can do ensure your mental health isn’t declining while you are working.

This comprehensive guide explores the many ways you can do this. Let’s explore why we need to consider our mental health while working and how it can actually benefit our productivity and ultimately, our long-term careers.

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Building a resilient workforce: the role of HR in employee wellbeing and mental health

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Building a resilient workforce: the role of HR in employee wellbeing and mental health

The American Psychiatric Association points to a startling reality: unresolved depression in employees results in a 35% reduction in productivity, leading to a loss of $210.5 billion a year in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and medical costs.

How can HR professionals build a resilient workforce in the face of growing mental health challenges? What proactive HR strategies can be employed to not only enhance employee wellbeing, but also impact the company's bottom line positively?

This week, guest writer Rob Press seeks to explore these crucial questions, offering insights into creating a nurturing and supportive work environment where mental health is prioritised.

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Work smarter not harder: how to train and improve your focus

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Work smarter not harder: how to train and improve your focus

The advent of AI and its various incarnations has questioned the very value of human effort. And yet, the requirement for menial human work has reduced ever since the industrial revolution, you could argue that AI and automation is just another step in the road to total efficiency.

With less menial tasks being thrusted upon us, an opportunity to spend more time being innovative and creative arises. However, being both innovative and creative requires one key ingredient; focus.

It’s almost ironic then that the very technological growth that allows us to do less, also happens to distract us even more. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, our ability to carry out focused work reduces.

This week’s guest post features Aled Nelmes, who shares his insights and five key tips to help the modern worker practise the art of focus.

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Why we grieve

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Why we grieve

Anyone who has had to manage the impact of grief understands how profound it can be. As a society, we don’t always make room for grief, and this can be especially true in our workplaces. After bereavement leave (a time often swamped by administrative tasks and funeral planning), we are expected to return to work and carry on - but this is easier said than done. 

In fact, managing our emotions in the weeks and months after bereavement can be so difficult that dealing with our everyday responsibilities seems nearly impossible, leading many to wonder why we feel loss so acutely.

In this week’s guest blog, the team at Harold Wood Funeral Services share their perspective on understanding why we grieve, and why it is a necessary readjustment in order to accept life as it is after experiencing deep loss.