Celebrating ‘My whole self’ for Mental Health Awareness Week 2023
The mental wellbeing of our team members is one of our top priorities at Lightsource bp, so Mental Health Awareness Week is an important mark in our calendar.
As we work towards a renewable energy future, we know the pressures of life can put us all at risk of stress or mental health concerns. While we continually look to create an enjoyable and supportive working environment for our team, we also think it’s important to focus on specific ways to protect and improve mental wellbeing across our business.
‘My whole self’
One way we’re committing to support mental wellbeing is by aligning with ‘My Whole Self’ from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, a campaign for workplace culture change.
The idea of the campaign is to help organisations empower employees to bring their ‘whole self’ to work. It’s about considering diversity and inclusion alongside health and wellbeing, to change workplace mental health and performance for the better.
This year, the focus is on our managers’ role in creating working environments where everyone is safe to bring their ‘whole self’ to work. Research suggests that a third of managers feel out of depth in supporting their team with mental health concerns. However, they play a vital link between wellbeing and productivity.
‘My whole self’ check-in
A simple way to understand your current mental health condition is through a ‘My whole self’ check-in. Completing these simple steps can help you gain awareness of how you’re feeling or coping, and then identify areas where you may need support.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, why not use these prompts to check in with yourself and others’ mental health and wellbeing?
How big is your Stress Container?
Do you ever wonder why some people cope better with stress than others? The Stress Container can help us understand why.
This interactive illustration explains how stress can build, how different people experience it, and what we can do to address stress levels.
To find out more about your Stress Container, try the interactive Understanding Stress tool for yourself and explore how stress builds and why it can sometimes get too much.
Understanding what causes it and the actions to manage levels is a key part of looking after our mental wellbeing.
How we support our team members
Mental health first aiders
As a business, we actively encourage openness between team members and managers with any mental health concerns.
We want to make sure that everyone across our teams can bring their full selves to work and — where necessary — ask for support when they need it.
Alongside our line-managers, Lightsource bp also recognises the value in mental health first aid. We currently have over 20 qualified mental health first aiders, offering confidential advice and support. They work right across our departments and global regions, playing a key part in our commitment to an inclusive and healthy workplace.
Taking time out
To encourage healthy balance, this year we’re once again giving our team members an extra half-day of annual leave to focus on their mental wellbeing. Whether taking time to get exercise, volunteer, or enjoy a fun activity, it’s an initiative that encourages our team members to create space to focus on something beneficial to their mental health.
Watch the announcement video below from our Global HR Director, Heather Hayes.
Our VIBES
Lightsource bp mental health programme is an initiative from our VIBES committee. VIBES stands for volunteering, inclusivity, belonging, equality and society.
Beyond Mental Health Awareness Week, VIBES works year-round to help us drive diversity and inclusion, as well as belonging and wellbeing throughout our organisation. They ensure we stick to our core values and ultimately safeguard and nurture our culture.
You can find out more about VIBES on our culture and people page.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is running from 15 to 21 May.
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