On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2017, Sanctus, a mental health coaching company, unveiled its groundbreaking ‘Bring Your Full Self to Work’ pledge.
This pledge aims to transform workplace culture by equating mental health with physical health, encouraging open conversations and practical support.
Sanctus has introduced a pledge that seeks to revolutionise how companies perceive mental health. It advocates for integrating mental and physical health support within the workplace, hoping to eliminate barriers to progress caused by mental health issues and to foster a culture where employees feel encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. This initiative is more than symbolic; it urges a genuine shift in corporate ethos.
A Radical Approach to Workplace Wellbeing
The pledge, described as both radical and practical, is the brainchild of Sanctus co-founder James Routledge. In a podcast discussion, he highlighted the need for tangible action and guidance for employers keen on enhancing mental health atmospheres within their organisations. In Routledge’s view, the current discourse on mental health requires actionable steps rather than mere dialogue.
Sanctus’ initiative includes stipulations for companies to provide mental health days, enhance mental wellbeing conversations, and ensure mental health challenges do not hinder career advancement.
James Routledge’s Vision
The pledge’s impact is reinforced by the commitment of notable organisations such as Red Bull, Makers Academy, and Cranberry Panda as founding signatories. Their involvement underscores a willingness among forward-thinking companies to lead by example in creating supportive environments.
This initiative is launched during a time when World Mental Health Day is focusing on the workplace, emphasising how crucial it is for businesses to adapt healthier approaches.
Support from Influential Partners
Bringing mental health to the forefront of corporate responsibility, Sanctus challenges the long-standing norms of workplace culture. They propose that any company can adopt these practices without financial burden, simply by modifying their approach and nurturing an open environment.
As Routledge details, the pledge accentuates employer accountability, pressing companies to actively participate in fostering mental well-being—not just recognising it.
Challenging Corporate Norms
The dialogue surrounding mental health in the workplace is evolving, and Sanctus is at the forefront of driving this conversation. Co-founder Routledge acknowledges the learning curve involved as employers and employees alike navigate this uncharted territory. Mistakes will happen, but persistent conversations pave the way for improvement.
A focus on proper language use and creating open conversations about mental health is essential for destigmatizing workplace discussions.
Navigating the Mental Health Conversation
In discussions, Routledge reflects on the broader implications of adopting such mental health initiatives for companies. He posits that a strong mental health ethos not only enhances employee satisfaction but also attracts talent, as prospective hires increasingly prioritise company culture.
Sanctus champions this transformative process, urging companies to adopt open communication practices and redefine the stigma associated with mental health.
The Business Case for Mental Health
James Routledge remains optimistic about the potential of these initiatives in reshaping workplace mental health dynamics. He encourages businesses to take the pledge as a step towards ensuring mental well-being is valued on par with physical health.
The pledge serves as a call to action for employers to redefine workplace culture and embrace their role in leading this vital change.
A Call to Action for Employers
The ‘Bring Your Full Self to Work’ pledge by Sanctus is a pivotal move towards redefining mental health in the workplace.
As more organisations endorse this pledge, it marks a significant shift in creating work environments that promote holistic health and support.
