Arcus FM launched its wellbeing strategy for this year’s World Mental Health Day

The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted people’s mental health across the globe. To continue to support its colleagues during these challenging times, UK-based facilities management company, Arcus FM, has launched a brand new wellbeing strategy.

Arcus is committed to creating a healthy working environment and improving the quality of working lives for all colleagues. The wellbeing strategy aims to support the organisation’s values and promote and support colleagues’ health and wellbeing, ultimately leading to improved individual and organisational performance.

HSQE Director, Monima Harrison said: “The pandemic has reinforced the importance of communication and collaboration as more remote and virtual working is encouraged. Everyone should have a voice to express how they feel, anxieties they may be experiencing.

“We are looking at mental health as well as physical health holistically with the launch of our wellbeing strategy, which is visionary and long-term. In addition, we are also implementing the wellness action plan. This will enable all colleagues to take ownership and be accountable for their mental health. Managers have a key role to play to support this and ensure the correct follow up and actions are taken. Positive mental health is important for all colleagues.”

Available research indicates that nearly 80% of people living with mental illness say that COVID-19 and the national response has made their mental health worse. Arcus has over 30 qualified Mental Health First Aiders and provided colleagues with additional support tools and resources to aid them during the pandemic.

Monima adds: “Health, safety and wellbeing is the number one priority for Arcus and this is reflected year-on-year in our annual colleague survey. This year the business achieved a 90% positive sentiment score for health and safety within the business.”

The business encouraged ‘Tea and Talk’ sessions for colleagues for this year’s World Mental Health Day on Saturday (10 October). The aim of the international day is to raise awareness and advocacy against the social stigma surrounding mental ill-health in a bid to encourage people to understand that it is ok to not be ok and that help is available.