A great, interactive I-act workshop last week saw more managers from the academic and operational teams of a leading UK University complete the I-act Managing and promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing course.
Designed specifically for the workplace, the 50+ tools can be used amongst teams, family and friends as well on ourselves. Raising awareness to recognise a change in someone is critical to enable a conversation to start asap. The quicker someone gets the help they need, the sooner they will recover to a place where they can thrive.
We are not brought up to prioritise our self care nor to talk about our emotions. This is almost seen as a weakness. but the opposite is true. If we prioritise our own wellbeing when we don’t need it, everyday, we are more likely to have the mind muscle to step back and challenge our negative thoughts when the pressure is on. Why are we so self stigmatised in talking about our emotions? The mind is the powerhouse of the brain and the brain is the powerhouse of the body. So shouldn’t we do all we can to keep our minds healthy and functioning as positively as possible?
When it comes to changes in those around us, we can naturally ‘overthink’ starting a conversation. ‘Will I say the wrong thing’, ‘will I make it worse’, what if something is said that I feel uncomfortable with?’ I-act training shares all the tools and steps to start, manage and end these critical conversations whilst ensuring personal safety.
Employers will often roll out generic training because it has ‘First Aider’ in the title. A tick box exercise. These courses are largely popular because they have First Aider’ in the title not for the knowledge they give. Often, only the Instructor course is accredited by a relevant body. Delegates only get a ‘certificate of attendance’. Teachings in these courses are often reactive, not proactive.
Employers who do roll out I-act proactive training and make talking about mind health as natural and as important as talking about physical health are more likely to increase connections across their employees, raising workplace wellbeing which in turn reflects positively on retention, brand reputation and profits.
This is a key life skill. Once learned, proactively looking after our mind health every day will not be forgotten.
Shouldn’t all workplaces across all industries ensure they are rolling out the right training?
Jane James's Consultancy Limited 