All You Need To Know About Mental Health at OUTCO

Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place from Monday, May 13th to Sunday, May 19th 2024, served as an important reminder of the significance of mental well-being in the workplace. At OUTCO, however, this commitment extends far beyond a single week. We foster a corporate culture where mental health is not only acknowledged but actively supported, nurtured, and integrated into our everyday operations.

Mental health challenges affect a substantial portion of the population, with one in four individuals in the UK experiencing such issues annually. These challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their professional standing or personal circumstances. At OUTCO, we are resolute in our commitment to cultivating a supportive environment where employees feel safe, understood, and empowered to seek assistance when needed.

A Proactive and Holistic Approach To Mental Health

Our commitment to mental well-being is not merely rhetorical; it is embedded in our actions and initiatives:

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): We provide comprehensive EAPs through OUTCO Inspire and the Death in Service benefit, offering confidential access to an array of support services. This encompasses counselling, legal and financial guidance, and 24/7 availability to ensure all employees have the resources they need, whenever they need them. Our ‘Wisdom’ app further enhances these offerings with a wealth of online content, including videos, webinars, and personalised coaching.

Empowering Through Shared Experiences: We believe in the power of shared stories. Employee testimonials highlighting the positive impact of our EAPs underscore the efficacy of these resources in addressing individual needs and facilitating personal growth.

Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA): Our HR team includes certified Mental Health First Aiders, who are trained to provide initial support and guidance to employees experiencing mental health challenges. We are actively expanding our network of MHFAs to ensure readily available support within the workplace.

Proactive Stress Prevention: Our SHEQ team spearheads initiatives aimed at preventing stress in the workplace, recognising the crucial link between a healthy work environment and mental well-being. This focus aligns with the broader Mental Health Awareness Week theme and reinforces our ongoing dedication to cultivating a positive and supportive workplace atmosphere.

Beyond Mental Health Awareness Week

While Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to spotlight our resources, our commitment to employee well-being is a year-round endeavour. We continually invest in programs and initiatives designed to foster mental health and resilience. By creating an environment characterised by openness, trust, and support, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

Additional Support

We understand that mental health challenges can arise at any time. Therefore, we offer additional resources beyond our EAPs, such as:

Confidential Counselling Services: Employees have access to confidential counselling sessions with licensed professionals who can provide personalised support tailored to their individual needs.

Wellness Workshops: We organise workshops and seminars on a range of mental health topics, equipping employees with valuable knowledge and coping mechanisms.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Resources: We offer resources like guided meditations and relaxation techniques to help employees manage stress and enhance their overall well-being.

Seeking Assistance

OUTCO views seeking help as a testament to strength, not weakness. At OUTCO, we encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to reach out. OUTCO’s HR team is here to listen, offer guidance, and connect you with the resources that best suit your needs. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where every individual feels supported, valued, and empowered to prioritise their mental health.