The charity recently hosted a ‘Knowledge Exchange’ webinar, where individuals from across the printing industry shared what measures have been effective in their workplace
Today (October 10th) marks World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. First celebrated in 1992, the theme of this year’s international day, as chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health, is workplace mental health.
The charity Mental Health UK recently released its ‘Burnout Report 2024’, which was based on a YouGov poll of around 2000 adults. The survey found that 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year.
The survey also found that one in five workers in the UK needed to take time off work in the past year, and more than a third of adults revealed they have faced extreme pressure within the workplace in that period.
Speaking on LinkedIn on World Mental Health Day, co-founder of Young People in Print Elizabeth Bowerman comments: “I would like to thank those who have been there for me when I have needed support, you cannot always fathom the impact it has.
“For anyone who needs to talk, I'm here. The Printing Charity also has its helpline which is available to people in the print industry 365 days per year.”
Ahead of World Mental Health day, The Printing Charity released an article about how print businesses can prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace.
The Printing Charity provides practical, financial, and emotional support to the print industry. It also provides financial assistance, as well as training and development grants for people beginning a career in the industry through the Rising Star Awards.
Findings in the article came from a ‘Knowledge Exchange’ webinar hosted by the charity, in which individuals from across the printing industry shared what measures have been effective in their workplaces to create positive environments for mental wellbeing.
Among the suggestions put forward during the event, it was suggested that print employers should consider providing physical and mental health checks to employees.
Evidence shows that physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand, and that physical health problems significantly increase the risk of suffering from poor mental wellbeing.
Webinar contributors explained that “body MOTs” or health checks arranged for employees in the workplace could identify any potential issues early on, to help maintain a healthy balance in daily life. It was suggested that these health checks could be carried out by third sector organisations or provided through local councils.
Speaking of the findings from the Knowledge Exchange webinar, chief executive officer of The Printing Charity, Neil Lovell, comments: "We heard lots of great examples from companies on last week's Knowledge Exchange webinar, as well as learning about many other initiatives as we speak to people across the industry.
“What participants spoke about in the webinar shows that mental wellbeing support from businesses for their employees does not have to be costly, and also does not have to add to pressure on anyone's time.”
The Charity also suggests setting time and space aside for wellbeing activities that reduce stress.
Among the suggestions put forward at the Knowledge Exchange webinar were recreational group events and activities, as well as providing a dedicated space within the work premises for relaxation.
On this point, Lovell comments: “It is important to have time together as a team in a relaxed environment, where people feel they can be open. It encourages people to share when things are tough."
The Printing Charity also provides mental health support, information, and advice through a confidential Printing Charity helpline which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The helpline is open for any employees in the print sector and related industries. Information including how to sign up can be found on The Printing Charity website.
Speaking of the support that The Printing Charity provides, Lovell explains: “Feeling overwhelmed and anxious about work or home life can be debilitating. Talking to one of the trained counsellors through the Printing Charity helpline can bring clarity, but it also offers the chance for someone just to share how they are feeling and help them work through that, in the moment.
“We have calls for practical help too, which can give answers to a range of questions including queries covering legal information, finances, employment and housing."
