During these challenging times, Zaun is investing in the mental health of its staff to support them through the increased pressures of life in 2021.
The West Midlands-based manufacturer of metal and mesh fencing, has appointed one male and one female employee as ‘mental health champions’. The workplace representatives were recently trained up to ‘First Aid for Mental Health’ accreditation delivered by a leading national health and safety solutions training company.
Skilled up and certificated to ‘Qualsafe Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health’ accreditation, they now support their colleagues, of all levels, with an empathetic and trained ear to talk through any issues, offering guidance and support where appropriate.
The value of supporting positive mental health in the workplace is now being recognised as a vital component to enhancing a person’s happiness and self-esteem, in turn increasing productivity. In a supportive workplace, in which both employers and employees invest in one another’s well-being, everyone can thrive.
Everybody has mental health considerations in life. When you are living with strong mental health and a positive frame of mind, you can make the most of your potential and enjoy better personal and professional relationships. You feel more prepared to cope with the trials of life and are encouraged to embrace more friendships and experiences.
A specialist metal and mesh fencing manufacturer with an international customer base, Zaun employs fantastic, hard-working people. The company designs, manufactures and produces engineer leading perimeter systems for high-security events, including major sporting and stadium fixtures.
The Zaun ethos is simple: to go the extra mile in solving the fencing problems that others ignore. David Sayers, Health & Safety Manager of Zaun, said:
“We understand that these are challenging times for many. The promotion of a positive mental health culture in our workplace is our attempt to go the extra mile for our staff. Not to ignore the building pressures of the work-life balance, but to support staff through the difficult times in life we all face.”
As part of the first aid mental health training, the champions were taught a range of skills including how to identify and understand various mental health conditions; how to design and deliver a mental health action plan; how to provide first aid mental health support and deal with issues involving drugs and alcohol. The course from PLT Training Limited also helps them to look closer at their own work activities and contribute to Zaun’s health and safety management system.
The team at Zaun is encouraged to see other companies also leading the way in recognising the importance of supporting positive mental health in the workplace, as we emerge with caution from the difficulties of 2020 and step into the possibility and potential that 2021 brings.
