Creating a culture of care: championing mental wellbeing in the workplace

We’re delighted to announce that Glean has two new Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs), taking the number of qualified Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) up to six - with more to come!

Our MHFAs span a wide array of  job levels and departments to ensure there’s always someone for everyone.

In this blog, you’ll hear from our Employee Experience Advisor, Jack Moody, and our Office Manager, Jessica Arthur, who both recently completed their MHFA training.

Jack Moody, Employee Experience Advisor

Why mental health first aid?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and just like physical first aid, having the knowledge and skills to offer that initial support can make a real difference.

By becoming a Mental Health First Aider, I wanted to play a more active role in fostering a supportive workplace culture at Glean, where everyone feels comfortable seeking help if they need it.

Personally, I have experienced my own mental health difficulties and have been there for family and friends who have struggled with theirs. These experiences solidified my belief that creating a safe space for open conversations about mental health is crucial.

What did you learn in MHFA training?

The MHFA training equipped me with the skills to feel confident in recognising the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress.

More importantly, it taught me how to actively listen, offer support without judgement, and help people connect with appropriate resources for their needs (as it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution!).

What impact do you hope to have as a MHFA at Glean? 

Glean is brilliant at fostering a culture of open and honest conversations. We’re lucky enough to be able to offer a variety of resources to support employees’ mental health, including enhanced sick pay, a cosy wellness room in our Leeds office, a health cash plan and supported EAP (with free counselling sessions), coaching, flexible working and many more perks and resources.

I’ve honestly never worked at such a welcoming & rewarding place!

I believe that by having Mental Health First Aiders on hand, we can create an even safer and more open environment at Glean. We’re able to empower employees to prioritise their wellbeing, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

This is just the beginning!

Jessica Arthur, Office Manager

Why did you decide to become a MHFA?

I'm delighted to have recently completed my training as a Mental Health First Aider!

My decision to take this training came from a combination of my passion for supporting my colleagues well-being, and a personal understanding of mental health challenges.

Having experienced mental health conditions myself, I know first-hand how isolating and overwhelming these challenges can be. It's during those times that a listening ear and a supportive presence can make a world of difference.

What do you hope to achieve as a Mental Health First Aider? 

By becoming a Mental Health First Aider, I hope to:

• Create a safe space: I want colleagues to feel comfortable reaching out if they're struggling, knowing they'll be met with understanding and non-judgment.
• Offer initial support: Whilst I am not a Doctor, and therefore cannot in any way offer professional advice or diagnosis, I can offer a listening ear, provide information about resources, and help direct individuals to where they could reach out for professional support if needed.
• Reduce stigma: By openly talking about mental health, I hope to chip away at the stigma that often surrounds these issues and encourage others to seek help when they need it.
• Promote overall well-being: By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, we can contribute to a workplace where everyone feels heard.

Interested in working for Glean?