CPI Euromix supports World Mental Health Day with a range of companywide measures to uphold staff wellbeing.

Organised by Mental Health UK, the theme of this year’s initiative, ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’, focuses on creating social and work environments that are conducive to looking after ‘number one first’. The topic aligns with CPI’s culture, which puts staff wellbeing at the heart of its business strategy, as Stuart Russell, CPI’s Commercial Manager, explains.

“At CPI, we believe creating a working environment within which everyone can thrive is intrinsic to our success. Health and safety systems at CPI factories are of the highest standard and we pride ourselves on taking a proactive ‘learn and prevention’ approach to colleague safety. Ultimately, a happy, well-supported workforce, particularly in terms of their mental wellbeing, is a productive workforce. The level of care and attention we offer staff emphasises their value to us.”

CPI has introduced a number of initiatives to safeguard staff mental wellbeing across its UK production sites. These include ‘Start the Conversation’ training, which encourages employees to think and talk about their mental health. Additionally, its Employee Assistance Programme ensures that each staff member has free, 24/7 access to a range of services including counselling and support services.

Healthy body, healthy mind

CPI recognises the vital importance of good physical health to an individual’s overall wellbeing. Hence, its staff benefit from a discounted health assessment, a confidential 360 questionnaire that is designed to identify common health issues before they develop into something more serious. Furthermore, the company’s introduction earlier this year of a Simply Health scheme gives all employees access to a company-paid health and wellbeing service. Dental treatment, eye tests and even alternative therapies are covered under the scheme, which removes the stress of having to fund such appointments, particularly with large swathes of the country facing financial woes due to the cost-of-living crisis. Simply Health also gives staff access to physical and mental health treatment at a time that works for them.

It’s good to talk

Due to the often perilous nature of the work, it’s long been established that those in the construction industry suffer higher levels of mental health-related problems than employees working in other sectors. With men traditionally less likely to share their inner-most feelings with colleagues and construction remaining a male-dominated industry, campaigns such as World Mental Health Day are crucial to instilling a different mindset, and encouraging employees of all genders to share whatever doubts and concerns they might be harbouring. In order to provide a more visible and official means of support for staff, CPI is recruiting colleagues to train as mental health first aiders.

Stuart continued: “Discussing one’s mental health is a positive thing, although until quite recently it was viewed as a bit of a taboo subject within the building sector. By talking and listening to each other we can begin to identify when someone is feeling down or troubled. It’s only when we recognise such signs that interventions can be made to prevent debilitating mental issues in friends and colleagues. Therefore, at CPI we will continue to propagate an open, honest culture as part of our number one goal to uphold the physical and mental wellbeing of staff countrywide.”

For more information on World Mental Health Day, visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk.