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Beyond Awareness: Integrating Mental Health into Everyday Life

by AnxietyConfidencecorporate wellness companies SheffieldMental Health At WorkMental Health First Aid TrainingMHFA

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, it’s crucial that we reflect on the spotlight that has been shone brightly on anxiety. We’ve aimed to raise awareness, hoping people can better spot early warning signs and understand that everyone’s mental health journey is unique and often challenging. Yet, as we approach the end of this dedicated week, we are left with a vital question: has it been enough?

Awareness days, weeks, and months come and go throughout the year. They serve as important reminders of various health and societal issues. However, when it comes to mental health, it’s time to ponder: are these moments of spotlight creating a lasting change? Or are they just temporary blips in our collective consciousness?

A Brief History of Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated in May in the U.S., dates back to 1949. The initiative was introduced by the Mental Health America organisation, founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers, a mental health advocate with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions.

Each year, a theme is selected to be highlighted throughout May. The UK and the US have chosen to focus on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness campaigns. The US campaign carries the theme “More Than Enough“, a strong message of hope, inclusion, and the need for comprehensive mental health support. It underscores the belief that all people, regardless of where they stand in their mental health journey, deserve support, resources, and a compassionate community.

On the other hand, the UK also places a spotlight on anxiety, aiming to educate the public about the signs of anxiety disorders and promote early intervention. Both countries strive to raise awareness about this prevalent mental health issue and advocate for better resources, support, and understanding for those affected.

A Global Perspective on Mental Health

Investment in mental health services has been a point of concern across the globe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that countries spend, on average, only 2% of their health budgets on mental health. Despite the high mental health conditions worldwide, resources and funding for mental health issues are still scarce. The WHO has called for increased investment, particularly after the pandemic, which has exacerbated mental health conditions globally.

In the U.S., mental health has been recognised as a crucial aspect of overall health. However, funding remains an issue. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicated that in 2020, only 43.3% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment.

Meanwhile, the UK government has pledged to provide ‘parity of esteem for mental health, meaning it should be given equal priority to physical health. However, recent data suggests that the reality is far from this commitment. In 2020, mental health trusts received only 13% of the total NHS budget, despite mental health issues making up 23% of the disease burden.

My Thoughts on the Future of Mental Health

While raising awareness is crucial, it’s time to make mental health a part of our everyday lives. It should be woven into our education system early, becoming part of the curriculum so children learn how vital wellbeing and self-care are.

Instead of selling the concept of mental health and leaving it to companies’ Employee Assistance Programmes or corporate social responsibility, mental health should be embedded into our societal fabric. It may be a stretch, but as reiterated in this year’s campaign message from the USA.

“All people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, deserve support, resources, fulfilment and a community that cares.”

In conclusion, let’s not limit our concern and action for mental health to specific days or months. It’s a year-round commitment. American philosopher and psychologist William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” Let’s choose thoughts of empathy, understanding, and continuous support for mental health.

Let’s make mental wellbeing a part of our daily lives, from the classrooms to the boardrooms, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Let’s invest in resources, education, and support systems. Because everyone, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, deserves support, resources, fulfilment, and a caring community.

We all have a part to play in this, and every small step we take can lead to significant changes. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

The importance of training in the new Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) in the workplace

by Anxietycorporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmeemployee mental health SheffieldMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid Trainingstress help SheffieldStress Managementwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Let’s start the conversation 

Today is World Mental Health Day 2022, it highlights the fact that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time.

The theme this year is ensuring mental health becomes a global priority.

Focusing on our own mental health first and looking at all aspects of our life.

Work is a huge part of this, and the office environment has changed for employees and businesses.

In recent years, we’ve seen a global covid pandemic, economic decline, cost of living crisis, the adoption of hybrid working, the great resignation and a recruitment crisis. It has taken its toll on employees, and now – more than ever – they need mental health support in the workplace.

So, what responsibility does a business have for its staff in this area?

Obviously, a business has a “duty of care” and “corporate social responsibility” but is that enough?

Mike Lawrence Award-winning Health & Wellbeing Management Consultant and MHFA England Instructor Member suggests not:

The latest report from Deloitte suggests employers see a return of £5 on average for every £1 invested in staff wellbeing,

Independent study and evaluation demonstrate that employees who become an MHFAider® are able to:

  1. Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma
  2. Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention
  3. Know how to access a dedicated text service provided by Shout and ongoing learning opportunities with MHFA England
  4. Know how to use the MHFAider Support App®

By becoming aware and informed, managers and employees can more readily spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provide the proper support.

Lawrence is hosting a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) training course Redbourn Parish Centre, The Park, Redbourn AL3 7LR on the 20th and 21st October

Which learners will become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and receive three years of certification, plus access to ongoing benefits.  

As an MHFAider® you will be able to:

  1. Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports
  2. Practise active listening and empathy
  3. Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality
  4. Practise self-care
  5. Access to ongoing learning opportunities, resources and exclusive events
  6. Be part of the largest MHFAider® community in England

 

For more information click here

Uncertain Future

Are You Willing To Forgo Anything For Your Holiday?

by AnxietyConfidencecorporate wellness companies SheffieldDepressionemployee mental health SheffieldFinancial WellbeingHealth and WellbeingMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid TrainingStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Uncertain FutureMany of us who’ve not been away due to the COVID pandemic are desperate to get away for some summer sun. Surveys and reports in the media suggest a surge in holiday bookings as demand returns to pre-pandemic levels despite household finances facing a squeeze from surging inflation. Tour operator TUI reports that summer bookings are up by 19%.

Holidays can help with anxiety and stress-related problems by giving us time to relax, have downtime and allow us to use the time to find solutions to problems.

Holidays enable us to catch up on much-needed sleep and rest. Whilst we are sleeping, our brains consolidate information and memories from the day, which improves our mental functioning, problem-solving, memory and creativity.

Holidays boost relationships with friends and family. You get to spend quality time with partners and children, strengthening social bonds. Time with your kids also increases their self-esteem and sense of security and enriches family values.

However, for some, the urge to escape and get away, hoping that the life you left behind will improve on their return, can come at a cost.

Brits Spent up to a Quarter of their Annual Disposable Income on Holidays each Year

Nationwide Building Society’s published spending report revealed that Brits spent up to a quarter of their annual disposable income on holidays each year. Many seem to have no desire to restrain this spending. On average we spend £855 per person each time we go away, then there’s 23% who spend £1,000 or more each holiday, and a family of four could end up paying £3,240 per trip and up to £6,840 in total.

Figures are taken from the online website Moneyfacts reports that the UK’s annual median disposable household income is £31,400. The cost of holiday spending can take up to three months’ worth of income, or a quarter of the expenditure. Disturbingly, not everybody has this money to hand.

As a result, 22% reported that they had to borrow the money to go on holiday, including using a credit card, taking out a loan or borrowing money from friends or family members. Contrastingly, 43% managed to pay for their holiday using savings, while 35% used cash from their bank account, and 11% were lucky enough to have family members to finance their holiday break.

88% of those who had to borrow money said that this was the only way that they could afford to go away. With the average Brit then taking three months to pay off this holiday – and 11% even taking more than six months.

Yet over half (51%) of respondents said they weren’t willing to forgo anything for their holiday.

That’s not all 61% overspend by £250 and 11% overspend by £500 or more.

Then there’s an additional 20% who don’t set a budget, who might still regret spending more than their bank accounts can bear. Undoubtedly, money is one of the most significant holiday regrets, with 25% feeling they had spent too much money. 21% said they didn’t have enough money to enjoy themselves, and 20% thought their holiday was too expensive.

Loss Aversion Theory

One of the drivers behind our behaviours and decision making could be linked to the loss aversion theory. Loss aversion is a concept that people hate losses more than they enjoy gains.

A cognitive bias that describes why, for people, the pain of losing is psychologically twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining. The loss felt from money or any other valuable thing can feel worse than gaining that same thing. Studies demonstrate that it impacts our judgement, preference, and decision-making process.

Wellbeing activities don’t have to cost you the earth. Many of us know the benefit of regular exercise, walking, meditation or participation in numerous leisure pursuits, pastimes and hobbies.

Imagine the delight of planning a holiday not because you need to catch up on much-needed sleep. You’re suffering from anxiety or spending time with the family because you haven’t seen them due to work demands.

The outcome of your time away is much more rewarding when you regularly invest time and money and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.

If you’re currently suffering from emotional overwhelm due to the rise in the cost of living or are worried about an uncertain future, or you need help to improve your confidence and are not sure where to go.

Send an email to enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk, and I’ll send you a free guide on what to incorporate into your daily routine. Or contact me at 01142 670 081 for a complimentary 40-minute wellbeing review, and I’ll share with you tips that can transform your health and wellbeing when you implement them. Remember, ‘If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness’.

The Truth Behind the Great Resignation Highlights the Importance of Employee Benefits and Wellbeing

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmeemployee mental health SheffieldHealth and WellbeingMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid Trainingwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Why is the “great resignation” happening? 

You might be familiar with the term “Great Resignation”, also known as the “Big Quit”. But what does this phrase mean, and how will the Great Resignation affect careers in 2022?

Professor Anthony Klotz of Texas A&M University coined the phrase to describe many people quitting jobs for reasons associated with the pandemic. 

People worldwide have been walking away from jobs as they re-evaluate their work-life balance amid high levels of burnout.

According to reports, the trend was driven by a psychological and economic shift as companies toiled – and often failed – to lure worried staff to return to jobs, environments, industries and offices that have too often treated workers as expendable. 

The reasons for quitting seem to vary and depend on which survey you read. However, the main reasons cited by experts appear to be,

  • Lack of adequate childcare
  • Health concerns about Covid
  • Burnout
  • A lack of flexible working

Key findings from YuLife-YouGov survey A Look Inside Employee Mindsets During The ‘Great Resignation’ put the spotlight on the mindset of workers in the UK and highlight the changing belief that it’s the employer’s responsibility.  

  • 70% would exercise more if their employer introduced a new policy
  • 66% of UK employees would like their employers to dedicate a block of time, at least once a
  • week, to improve their health and well-being 
  • 62% of UK employees believe stress and burnout at work has increased in their workplace since the start of the pandemic 
  • 51% disagree that their employer takes an interest in their lifestyle decisions
  • 45% of UK employees believe this stress will continue over 2022
  • 45% of UK employees feel that their workplace/working life directly influences lifestyle decisions

Plus, time away from the office has given people the prospect to reflect on what they want from their life and career—providing them with a chance to quit in search of better work opportunities, self-employment, or, simply, higher salaries to meet the rise in inflation and the rise in the cost of living. 

But why were we so unhappy with the old “normal”? The word “normal” could be perceived as the root of the problem. We had to put up with the long commutes to work, costly lunches, and unhappy lifeless offices because we were told and conditioned that all of those things were “the norm”, and if we didn’t accept those practices, we didn’t fit in. A lot of time and effort is spent on trying to be “normal”, but the pandemic has changed our perception. Therefore challenging the need to go back to what was “normal” before. 

Some businesses are pushing back on this, trying to return to the way it was before as the best and only way to manage their employees and conduct business. Yet this old normal didn’t always allow people to reach their full potential because it didn’t allow individuals to reach their true potential. After all, it didn’t cater for our differences. 

Ann Francke, CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), said that the job market would become “even more fierce as employees seek out new roles that meet their changing demands and aspirations.”

“Just offering big budget salaries isn’t cutting it anymore,” she said. “Managers who aren’t adapting their working models will be left wanting – and their organisations will pay the price.”

Therefore, what should companies be doing about it?

Employee well-being

Burnout, stress and depression are likely contributors likely to lead to an employee quitting. Therefore, organisations must have measures to recognise and alleviate these problems and prevent them from happening.

An excellent way to do so is by restating the importance of;

  • Encourage employees to take regular breaks
  • Enable staff to take time off
  • Execute a mental well-being strategy and policy 
  • Initiate regular employee check-ins 
  • Plan monthly employee appraisals 
  • Invest in training programmes for all employees 
  • Ensure individuals will not be looked down upon if they flag to their manager that they struggle with their workload.

Consider an Employee Assistance Programme to support the team’s mental, including professional help

If you want to learn more about the benefits of an EAP or the value of using a well-being consultant to assist you with improving the well-being of your employees, please get in touch for a complimentary consultation. Email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk or call 01142 670 081 

 

3 Ways To Look After Your Mental Health When Working From Home

by AnxietyConfidencecorporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness ProgrammeHealth and WellbeingMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldUncategorisedworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

If you’re stuck working from home, unable to see your work colleagues from day to day, you may find yourself struggling with your mental health.

This is understandable, as often, just seeing others can brighten your day. Very few want to be stuck at home all day, let alone have to work from home every day. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule.

Consider these ways to look after your mental health when working from home.

1. Try to Get into a Routine

It can be a challenge and isolating to work from home. Often, you may find your attention wandering, or you may be missing your work colleagues.

A routine can help you focus on your tasks.

Use these strategies:

  • Have a space for work that is free of any distractions.
  • Set a routine to get started, take regular breaks, including lunch, and finish work at a reasonable time.
  • Avoid working in your pyjamas.
  • Set specific tasks for the day and prioritise them. Do the most important tasks first.
  • When you finish work, clean up your workspace as you would in an office.
  • If you’re homeschooling your children, it may be a good idea to let your managers know. You’ll want to set up a routine of when you can work and give your children the attention they need.

2. Keep In Touch With Colleagues

To avoid becoming isolated while working from home, keep in touch with colleagues formally and in a more social one.

Try these techniques:

  • Discuss with your colleagues when it is best to contact you and try to remain available during these times.
  • Use MS Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or other video conferencing platforms for formal discussions.
  • Follow up any video calls with a quick note to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the actions that need to be taken.
  • You can also use video calling for more informal chats or use other messenger services if it is more appropriate.
  • Check-in with the rest of the team at the end of the workday to get updates. These updates might be work-related, or you might use this time for personal updates.

Try to keep your work and social life separate. When working from home, it is easy for your work and social life to merge.

Not all of your colleagues will appreciate you sharing everything with them, so respect their boundaries, just as you expect them to respect yours.

3. Use Any Support Available

Working from home can be challenging, so if there is support available, make the most of it:

  • Many employers will have support available for their employees, with dedicated apps and websites offering support.
  • Suppose you are currently struggling with a physical or mental health condition. In that case, your employer may be able to make reasonable adjustments to your work schedule, offer additional support from managers or other colleagues, and provide equipment if needed.
  • Look at the self-care techniques you’ve used that have worked for you in the past. Sometimes, you will have to be flexible, especially if you are stuck at home. For example, if you would usually go to the gym to relieve your issues, you could try working out from home using an online class.

Some people will thrive in that environment while others will struggle. Keep these tips in mind, especially if you’re struggling. They can help you remain productive while you’re stuck at home.

I’ve created an easy, effective, robust system that anyone suffering from a lack of confidence, motivation or resilience could immediately apply and benefit from when they work with me. I help people rediscover their identity to feel physically robust and better equipped mentally; ultimately, they feel better control of their lives.

Please get in touch with me directly for more information about how this can work for you. Email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk  or call 0114 2 670 081.

Mike Lawrence - Sheffield Live Radio Interview

Business Live: Jamie Veitch’s Sheffield Live radio show Building workplace wellbeing, confidence and inclusivity with Mike Lawrence

by best life coach SheffieldConfidencecorporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmeemployee mental health SheffieldFinancial WellbeingHealth and WellbeingLife coach in Sheffieldlife coach SheffieldLife Coachinglife coaching Sheffieldmental health at work SheffieldStressstress help Sheffieldwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Working from home means many business leaders and employees feel isolated; others experience overwhelm and burnout, or never stop working. He has strategies to protect and support you and your colleagues’ health and wellbeing.

Born and raised in a working-class part of Sheffield, Mike now lives in Chesterfield. But as a young man, he had to move to London to access employment opportunities: covert racism in Sheffield proved an enormous barrier. Has that changed? Is the city a better place now for a young Person of Colour?

Mike “could talk for a week about some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome.” Alongside his one-to-one practice in Sheffield, he now works with many corporate firms and large organisations, enabling them to address discrimination, bias and barriers to inclusivity. He describes initiatives and action, underway and needed, to create a level playing field for all.

 

“It’s important we can still look forward to a great future,” says Mike Lawrence, workplace health and wellbeing consultant.

It’s been a year of immense stress: the pandemic, losses of family and friends, concerns for people’s health, living under restrictions, businesses going under or at risk of it, and horrifying injustices. Mike supports people with depression and experiencing anxiety, so how does he protect himself and what did he do differently this year?

Mike is also frank about a period in his life when his own confidence took a battering and how he addressed this, and describes practical actions you can take to protect and build your own.

Click on the link below to listen to the interview.

Business Live: Jamie Veitch’s Sheffield Live radio show Building workplace wellbeing, confidence and inclusivity with Mike Lawrence

 

 

improve your wellbeing in lockdown

5 Areas of Your Life to Improve Your Wellbeing

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmeemployee mental health SheffieldHealth and Wellbeingmental health at work SheffieldStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

improve your wellbeing in lockdownImagine, we bring in the dawn of a new decade in January 2020, you make your New Years’ resolution, set goals such as lose weight, stop smoking, save money, find new love, or seek a new career.

Then we start planning holidays, celebrating special occasions with friends, or book concert tickets (which I did in London) and I’m sure many of you may resonate with that.

Then COVID-19 comes along social isolation and lockdown. 

For many, this is a worrying and challenging time—the most challenging for many of our lifetime.

I contacted a friend recently who works in an NHS hospital in London. She didn’t take my call but later replied by text, telling me that she was scared, frightened, fearful of her life. I tried to arrange a call, but she declined but thanked me. The pain, heartache and suffering that she’s experienced.

She’s not alone, humans, like all species, have a self-defence mechanism to help us survive. The body’s Fight, Flight or Freeze response is designed to prepare the brain and body in case of pending danger, but the threat doesn’t always happen.

In our head, FFF alarms cause our brain to focus on negative memories, probably so it can scan them and avoid danger and negative outcomes. And it can only do this if we have previously been faced with a threat or a challenging situation and learnt how to deal with it.

Anxiety, depression and high levels of stress all harm the brain’s ability to cancel or slow down the mind’s false fight flight or freeze activations.

Making them appear more often; knowing the symptoms of false activations makes it easier to recognise and reduce their effects because what we need to do is bring the body back to equilibrium.

When you change your mind about stress or challenging situations, you can change your body’s physical response to stress.

Health Psychologist Kelly McGonigal implores us to see stress as a positive, advises us to view stress as a positive and introduces an unacknowledged tool for stress reduction: reaching out to others.

Positive thinking increases the chance of positive outcomes. Vice versa! “Think you can think you can’t – either way, you will be right” Henry Ford. Positive thinking increases the chance of positive outcomes.

5 Tips You Can Use Today in Your Personal Wellbeing Strategy:

  1. Personal Insight – Evaluate your behaviour, characteristics or mood change. Or ask some who knows you well that you trust to be your accountability partner.
  2. Personal Coping Mechanisms– Review your current level of fitness, use this present opportunity to go for daily walks, don’t be tempted to overindulge with more food in the house. Create a daily routine for work and pleasure
  3. Supportive Environments– Can’t just pay lip service or tick a box. Otherwise you could create an imbalance. It’s the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for employees to work in. Working from home can create additional pressure; however, stress is inevitable, whether working from home or the office, so speak to your manager if you require support to adjust.
  4. Communicate and Talk– Up your talk time, bring in support as and when required. It’s not a sign of weakness if you need help. If someone says to you, I’m fine, or I’m OK, don’t take that as gospel. Enquire a little more. Ask what they’ve been doing and take a genuine interest.
  5. Create a Pivot Mindset– A pivot mindset emphasises natural changes within our current job and from one position to the next while staying open to a range of opportunities. One constant in life is that things will change, and they’ll change often, and they’ll change in ways we don’t necessarily like. So why not get better at changing? At dealing with change. Why not adopt the pivoting mindset? Because when we do, these changes will be less stressful, less upsetting and it removes the uncertainty. It’s about building a portfolio of lifelong skills, connections, and expertise, and adapting to new tools and tactics.

How you respond to remote working is completely dependent on your individual needs and triggers—if you feel overwhelmed trying to balance family life and work, worried about the future, or your wellbeing deteriorating due to an underlying condition.— and are unsure what to do, consider talking to you HR advisor or line manager for help. Or you can reach out to me and arrange a free 30-minute chat on Zoom about your possibilities.

Telephone 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk

company health and wellness consultant Sheffield

Looking After Your Health & Wellbeing During The Coronavirus Outbreak

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmewellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

company health and wellness consultant SheffieldAs news about coronavirus (COVID-19) dominates the headlines and public concern is on the rise, we must remember to take care of your physical health.

Good mental health and positive wellbeing can help you better cope with the COVID-19 threat and the uncertainty it’s creating.

I was in the petrol station at the check-out desk paying for my diesel, and my eyes were drawn to the following headlines in the local newspaper.

“Looting thieves steal toilet rolls from a petting farm, and sanitiser from hospitals as coronavirus panic sees supermarket shelves stripped bare.”

Opportunistic thieves pilfered 80 rolls from Heeley City Farm, a popular petting zoo for youngsters in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Derbyshire revealed supplies of hand sanitisers and gels disappearing from wards and even patients’ bedsides.

Our brains are more attuned to negative news and information, and our capacity to focus on negative details so heavily is to keep us safe and out of harm’s way.

From the dawn of human history, our ancestors very survival depended on their ability to recognise and avoid dangerous situations.

The human brain developed systems that would make it unavoidable for us not to notice danger and thus, hopefully, respond to it.

Here are some actions to consider:

Try to avoid excessive exposure to news coverage. Constant monitoring of news updates and social media feeds about COVID-19 can intensify feelings of anxiety and fear. Consider turning off automatic notifications on your digital device and taking a break from the headlines. Setting boundaries to how much news you watch, read or listen to will allow you to focus on your health and wellbeing, rather than wondering ‘what if?’.

Take better care of yourself, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. This includes focusing on things you can control (like having good hygiene) instead of those you cannot (stopping the virus).

Where possible, maintain your daily routine and normal activities. Eating healthy meals, regular exercise, spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Getting enough sleep and doing things that you enjoy, which will have a positive impact on your feelings and thoughts.

Try and focus on things that are positive in your life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends seeking out positive stories and images of local people who have encountered and recovered from the coronavirus. Or those who have helped someone through recovery and are willing to share their experience.

It is perfectly normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or upset, among a wide range of other emotional reactions, in the current situation.

Give yourself time to express and notice your feelings. Speak to a trusted colleague, write your thoughts down in a journal, do something creative, practising mindfulness or meditation.

Click here to download your free Westfield Health COVID-19 Guide, information and advice on how to prepare your organisation.

If you’re still worried or anxious about your future and you’d like some help to manage your wellbeing get in touch and book your FREE 40-minute consultation.

Telephone 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk

Winner of one of the 2020 Best 3 Therapists Awards for the second year in a row

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness ProgrammeHealth and WellbeingLife Coachinglife coaching Sheffieldmental health at work Sheffieldstress management Sheffieldwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffield

Mike Lawrence Holistic Therapies is celebrating – again! They had been recognised for the second year in a row by the Best 3 Awards this week for making a significant difference to local people’s lives. Mike’s mission is to empower people to achieve their aspirations in the workplace and everyday life. The award recognises that mission being made a reality. Against several factors, Mike has been voted one of the Best 3 Therapists in the Sheffield region.

All the therapists faced a rigorous 50-point inspection, which includes local reviews, history, trading standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their general excellence. Mike Lawrence Holistic Therapies yet again showed real strength in every area.

In the last year, Mike has developed the company to incorporate Mike Lawrence Wellbeing & Workplace Management Consultancy, a global consulting organisation with a difference. They are helping thousands of people in the workplace to achieve personal and business goals, as well as supporting employers to deliver more informed wellbeing support and behaviours. A lot of this consists of education and tools for managers, which the team deliver in-house to medium to large businesses across the country.

Mike told us ‘It means a lot when you set out to help people make small but impactful changes and they come back and tell you how big their strides forward are.

You always hope to exceed expectations but to be recognised for consistently exceeding is such great news for us. It’s been a really interesting year with the development for the workplace wellbeing offer, and to be honest, it’s taken off at some speed! We’re now able to help more people lead happier and healthier lives across the region and beyond’.

To read the inspection process in detail please click on the following link https://threebestrated.co.uk/therapists-in-sheffield

workplace wellbeing Sheffield Christmas stress

Will Christmas be ‘YOUR’ Tipping Point!!

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmemental health at work SheffieldStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

workplace wellbeing Sheffield Christmas stressIt’s Christmas! Time off work. Presents to buy. Drinking and eating more than you would regularly and visiting friends, family, loved ones. The season of goodwill, cheer and demanding work priorities go on the back burner in favour Christmas merriments.

Moreover, in our busy lives, that’s exactly what we need. What’s not to like?

Recently I delivered a couple of workshops for Westfield Health on Mental Health Awareness and Dealing with High-Pressure Situations in a company located in South Yorkshire.

When asked what’s the top source of pressure in your life at the moment is and if there’s one thing, that if changed, would significantly improve your quality of life.

The number one challenge was financial worries.

Research from Barclays determined that 46% of workers were worrying. Also, one in five were losing sleep, due to concerns about money.

Further research exposed that 42% of those asking for help with debt is on medication to help them cope with the emotional consequences.

Barclays also witnessed inadequate monetary wellbeing among workers decreased productivity by 4%. The overall cost to businesses in the UK is estimated to be £120 billion per annum.

Many employees feel embarrassed speaking about monetary concerns in the work environment. Especially if they’re suffering financial hardship, therefore employers can tend to view them as merely a private matter.

Nonetheless, there are indications that change is afoot.

Recent studies reveal that employees want to see companies do more around financial education. One survey indicated that 87% want their company to help with financial literacy.

Anglian Water and Barclays both have financial health and wellbeing programs. They both enhance levels of financial literacy and provide support when employees’ finances are out of alignment. Financial literacy is critical components in the organisations’ overall health and wellbeing strategy and an integral part of the employees’ benefits package.

Today, the reality in the UK is a considerable percentage of the population is living on the brink. One payday away from financial catastrophe.

Four in ten adults have no more than £500 in savings, while the Office of National Statistics (ONS), highlight 16.5 million people have no savings.

Many don’t have a safety net or reserves. Therefore, an unanticipated turn of events, like a severe illness or redundancy, could tip a considerable number of households into financial armageddon.

So precarious are people’s finances that the Bank of England calculate even a 2% increase in interest rates could be enough to tip some over the edge.

A typical household in the UK spends over £2,500 each month. Still, in the run-up to Christmas, our spending habits change dramatically to over £800 extra in December.

What is Your Tipping Point? defined by Merriam-Webster, as “The point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes significant enough to cause a larger, more important change.”

At what point do you take personal responsibility and do something about it, primarily if it’s affecting your performance and wellbeing at work.

The tipping point for a business must be to engage their workforce and implement a health and wellbeing program that includes financial literacy.

Design a work culture that encourages health through all phases of their lives. Considering most people spend most of their life at work, it’s no wonder that they want to believe that the business cares about their happiness.

Emphasis on employee health and wellbeing contributes significantly to an employee’s entire interaction within the company.

Promoting health and wellbeing is no longer seen as a ‘tick box’ exercise or an initiative that produces ‘quick wins.’

Instead, wellbeing promotion assures that your team enjoy and want to work.

Long term, this has a drastic effect on the business’s performance.

Often health improves many areas of the business. Areas that not only improve productivity but make money.

If you’re considering implementing or adopting a health and wellbeing programme in 2020, please feel free to get in touch and book your free 40-minute consultation.

Telephone Sheffield 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk

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Neurodiversity – Wellbeing In The Workplace

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness Programmemental health at work SheffieldNeurodiversityUncategorisedwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

wellbeing in workplace Sheffield neurodiversity

I was recently invited to co-host an HR Future Leaders Seminar in Leeds, organised by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Elevation Recruitment Group, on Neurodiversity in the Workplace, which is becoming an increasingly popular topic within HR.

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to people with genetic differences such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Tourettes and various forms of Autism such as Aspergers.

Neurodivergent people are not unwell; neither do they have a syndrome; it is a difference. But it is a difference that can leave people more susceptible to mental ill-health, which can be created or heightened by inadequate working environments.

It’s estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK is neurodivergent, inferring their brain functions, learns and processes information differently than others.

Neurodiversity In The Workplace

A survey conducted by the CIPD in 2018 discovered that 10% of HR professionals in the UK acknowledged Neurodiversity in their organisation’s employee management systems. Alarmingly, 72% said Neurodiversity wasn’t included.

A growing number of prominent companies in the USA have reformed their HR processes to access neurodiverse talent; among them are SAP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft and Ford.

Managers at SAP say that it is already paying off in ways far beyond reputational enhancement. Including productivity gains, quality improvement boosts in innovative capabilities and significant increases in employee engagement.

Companies have a legal obligation to undertake ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the workplace and the employee’s role that will remove or minimise any disadvantage to them.

The Equality Act 2010  protects individuals against disability discrimination for issues often referred to as ‘hidden disabilities’.

The more common difficulties associated with neurodiverse conditions in the workplace can include, time management, planning and prioritising, organisation, getting distracted by background music, poor working memory (the ability to hold multiple things in your attention at one time). These very often cause stress, and it might be stress that brings them to your attention.

Concentration, excess stress, issues with timekeeping, maintaining a schedule and physical illness are all conditions covered under the term neurodiversity.

Some thrive in a working environment and build resilience towards the difficulties they face, whereas others may struggle to complete specific tasks because of their condition.

In these instances, disclosing these challenges to an employer can allow them to support an individual in the workplace.

  • 24% of the UK prison population has ADHD
  • 16% of people in the UK with Autism have a job
  • 1% of corporate managers have dyslexia compared to a population norm of 10%

How Can I Help?

  • Ask questions to find out how best to help and support your neurodiverse employees. Everyone with a neurodiverse condition is different, and they often have particular strengths
  • Assess the working environment
  • Implement a wellbeing policy
  • Train managers and team leaders how to recognise and spot signs and symptoms
  • Identify employees with neurological variances whom frequently suffer from mental health issues, including stress, anxiety and depression
  • Ensure that you contribute towards creating an accepting and nurturing working environment
  • Provide an environment which encourages employees to disclose any neurological condition
  • Awareness-raising sessions that can help manage your sickness absence rates and improve line management skills, both of which can, in turn, lead to increased productivity
  • Appoint a buddy or mentor
  • Review the employee life cycle and journey

SAP’s neurodiversity program forced managers to get to know their employees and become better managers. Managers also began thinking more deeply about leveraging the talents of all employees through greater sensitivity to individual needs.

We understand that the situations of stress-related absence are on the increase in the working environment.

When this occurs, try and discover if the employee has a neurodiverse condition. Be sympathetic; they may often not know themselves or be embarrassed to talk.

Access to work grants is a pot of government funding support based on your needs, for reasonable adjustments to be carried out. To assist with covering the cost of adequate support in the workplace or getting to and from work. Also, software to translate speech into text and vice versa, life coaching to develop coping strategies to help employees better manage their condition.

If you’re considering raising awareness in neurodiversity, mental health at work, or health and wellbeing in the workplace, please get in touch and book your FREE 40-minute consultation.

Telephone Sheffield, 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk

workplace wellbeing Sheffield mental health at work

Workplace Wellbeing – Mental Health At Work

by corporate wellness companies SheffieldCorporate Wellness ProgrammeHealth and Wellbeingmental health at work Sheffieldstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress SheffieldUncategorisedwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

workplace wellbeing Sheffield mental health at workHow many times during a week have you found yourself saying, “I’m fine” to a colleague or friend when in fact you don’t really mean it?

I asked this question earlier this week to a group of employees during a 1-day Mental Health At Work Awareness training session that I was hosting near Sheffield.

The majority of delegates replied that it was common to say, “I’m fine” or “I’m OK”. It appears to be the default unconscious position, so as not to open the conversation further and bring attention to themselves.

A study of adults commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation found that on average adults will say “I’m fine” 14 times a week, though just 19% actually mean it.

While most of us may be happy openly discussing feelings, many of us are not being honest and sticking to a mental script.

This invents an illusion of support. Outwardly we’re habitually checking in with each other, but underneath that, many of us feel incapable of saying how we’re feeling.

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health challenge in a year.

In England, 1 in 6 people reports encountering a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.

Worries about things like money, jobs, relationships, the recession and Brexit concern can make it harder for people to cope.

We all possess some form of mental health, and when it’s okay, we have a sense of purpose, motivation, drive and resilience.

Overall ability to cope with whatever challenges and hurdles that life and work throw up.

We all undergo tough times, we become apprehensive, agitated, angry and experience so many different feelings and emotions.

These feelings usually pass, but occasionally they develop into stress, depression or anxiety.

For some, this can be more challenging, and long-term conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, paranoia and dissociation disorders, these can affect our ability to perform and engage at work at a consistently high level.

Health and Wellbeing is an issue that the NHS is struggling to cope with.

The Independent reported that people who are seeking help with mental health concerns are waiting in excess of eight weeks to see a GP again after their original appointment.

That’s why employees must recognise that good mental health and proper managerial training, processes and structures are pivotal, and there is growing evidence that organisations that implement health and wellbeing procedures are more productive.

In fact, implementing and addressing health and wellbeing concerns at work increases productivity by as much as 12%.

Thursday 10th October was World Mental Health Day. An opportunity for all of us to raise awareness of mental health issues and advocate against social stigma.

I read a book last year, ahead of speaking at the 4th International Conference on Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management, called Dying for a Paycheck written by Jeffrey Pfeffer.

The author makes clear that the environment we work in is just as important as the one where we live. There is a great quote below taken from the book, which sums up nicely for me the importance of workplace wellbeing.

Your supervisor is more important to your health than your family doctor –

Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller.

If you think you’re suffering from stress, anxiety, depression or any form of mental health and you are finding it difficult to cope in your workplace, the first step is to talk to a colleague that you trust, your manager or an HR advisor.

Workplace wellbeing is at the top of many companies’ agendas as the impact of work-related stress, illness and mental health issues are better understood.

There are actions that we can all do individually to reduce our exposure to increased mental health within the workplace such as, have a proper lunch break and avoid eating your lunch at your desk, identify your ‘stressors’; are you continually working late in the office or taking work home to complete? How much exercise are you currently doing? What do you do outside of work leisure and social pursuits? And spend more time with family and friends.

I typically help SME’s whose employees are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression and are struggling to cope. If you’re considering raising awareness with your employees or you’d like to learn more about how you can reignite your life and regain your competitive advantage, please feel free to get in touch and book your FREE 40-minute consultation.

Telephone 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk

burnout stress mental health at work Sheffield

Mental Health At Work – What You Must Do If You Are Constantly Tired & Suffering from Burnout from Work

by corporate wellness companies Sheffieldmental health at work SheffieldStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffieldwellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

burnout stress mental health at work SheffieldThe phrase ‘burnout’ describes the collection of signs and symptoms, both psychological and physical, experienced by people due to their profession.

It is defined as the condition where professionals lose all matters and emotional feelings for their work colleagues and treat them in a dehumanised and detached way.

People often feel a sense of indifference, a lack of desire for personal achievement or depersonalisation.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.”

It is described as “A syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

Stress is related to burnout but is not the same as burnout. Stress occurs when the individual’s ability to cope and deal with demands is exceeded. In controlled amounts, stress allows an individual to improve his/her performance, while burnout is a natural response to continued excessive stress without time or space for recovery.

In the era of this 24/7 connected world, it’s progressively becoming challenging to switch off from the office altogether.

In a recent study from Westfield Health, 17% of the people surveyed said they spent their annual leave worrying about work and 36% thought their employers expect them to be on standby.

What are the tell-tale signs of Burn Out?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Has your partner, work colleague or friend advised you to slow down?
  2. Can you remember the last time you did some physical exercise and are you making enough time to eat a balanced diet?
  3. Do you ever feel guilty that you are not spending sufficient time with your family, or even yourself?
  4. Have you found yourself becoming increasingly emotional, such as crying, getting angry, shouting, or feeling tense for no apparent reason?
  5. Do you become angry or resentful about your work, colleagues, or clients?

If any of your answers are ‘yes’ to the questions, it might be time to change or seek assistance.

If you think you’re suffering from workplace burnout, the first step is to talk to your supervisor, line manager or workplace HR advisor.

While burnout isn’t classified as a mental health disorder, it can lead to more severe issues such as a breakdown in family life, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome and dependency on alcohol and drugs.

Employers have to promote staff health and well-being and ensure staff aren’t overstressed, work more than their contracted hours or reply to emails while on holiday, and heading towards burnout.

There are measures that we can all do to reduce our own risk of burnout such as, creating boundaries for your work, building your levels of resilience by learning to switch off, managing your workload and time so that you’re not working excessively from home all the time, taking breaks away from your desk during the day, participate in leisure and social pursuits, and spend with family and friends.

No matter what your profession, don’t allow your job to become the only way you define yourself.

Also, if your work is overwhelming you and making you dislike going into work, consider your options don’t allow your self-worth to deteriorate, take action and seek help immediately. You may even surprise yourself.

I typically help senior managers and business owners who are suffering from burnout. If you’re considering engaging in the services of a consultant or you’d like to learn more about how you can reignite your life and regain your competitive advantage, please feel free to get in touch and book your free 40-minute consultation.

To find out more, see my pages on stress management and corporate wellness.

Telephone Sheffield 0114 327 2683 or email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk