Sustainability
Published: December 21, 2021
Sustainability
Published: December 21, 2021

Pushing the Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work Button

Colleagues all around our regions have been taking time out of their busy schedules to pause and consider their health. It has been a challenging year for us all and the activities our local wellness teams have organized have been invaluable in helping us become healthier at work and in life.

Focusing on Mind, Body and Soul in the Czech Republic

Our Brno site had not one but two teams working on bringing mental health and wellbeing activities to our colleagues there.

Earlier this year, the Brno Wellness team invited colleagues to learn how to optimize their home-working environments to prevent back pain and strain on the upper and lower limbs. They also encouraged everyone to sign up for a month’s membership to a local fitness center’s wide variety of online workout classes.

In September, the team organized Outdoor Day at the local sports center, where participants could safely try out all sorts of activities, including yoga, volleyball, football, tennis, archery and climbing.

I liked Outdoor Day very much. This kind of activity is more important than ever before. I am already looking forward to the next one!
Michal Svec, EMEA business finance support group manager

The Young Professional Network (YPN) chimed in too and organized 'Burnout Syndrome Prevention' workshop, focused on dealing with the pressure of performance, results, and deadlines. During the September Development Days, the ‘Mental Health At Work’ workshop taught participants about mental health issues and symptoms as well as emotional first aid. Participants at the ‘Overcoming Unhealthy Thinking Patterns’ workshop learned to recognize detrimental thoughts, solve problems with positive thinking, and find a healthier mindset.

I always enjoy taking part in the additional activities my colleagues come up with! For me, a well-organized work environment should also focus on providing people with possibilities for taking care of their well-being.
Jiri Vrzala, VAT compliance manager

Topping Up Mental Resilience in Benelux

Benelux held its wellness week in November, and the theme was “mental strength”. Colleagues were invited to attend online webinars on various topics, including the importance of sleep and dealing with stressful thoughts, stress management and energy sources for mental resilience.

We put together an active and varied program in which we encouraged everyone to take good care of their own vitality.
Linda Streefkerk, people operations partner, The Netherlands

There was a nutrition and lifestyle quiz (organized by an ex-colleague who is now a nutritionist), a lunchtime walk and a remote stretch session. To help maintain their healthy appetites, sites across the Netherlands and Belgium received fruit deliveries.

A Proactive Approach to Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Our colleagues in Lagos, Nigeria, held a wellness day at the end of November. Participants were invited to be proactive with regards to their health by attending a free eye screening and talk on vision care. Then, those brave enough to sign up were put through their paces at a rigorous training session of abdominal, cardiovascular and joint exercises!

UK and Ireland Fight the Stigma Around Mental Health

World Mental Health Day, October 10, saw the start of the UK sites’ wellness initiatives to raise awareness of and break the stigma around mental health issues.

Colleagues were sent reminders to consider their mental health, tips for helping to improve mental wellbeing, and resources for further ideas and assistance. They were also invited to support the Architectural Coatings UK & Ireland Charity Partner Mind.

Our colleagues in Birstall organized a fundraising smoothie day, a complimentary fruit day and sessions for those who were interested in becoming local mental health first aiders.

While at our Runcorn site, colleagues from the local Halton Health Improvement Team were invited for a free health screening to have a “Health Kick-Start” in 2022. The Working Well team also organized a 30-day “London to Paris” walking challenge in support of their Charity Partner Halton Haven. Participants contributed their locally walked steps towards the 889,498 total required to make the trip by foot.

Organizing events and promoting a balanced lifestyle can support colleagues, boost morale and encourage teamwork.
Leah Pinnington, business support administrator, Industrial Coatings, EMEA

The Shildon Site Maintains Excellent Health At Work

Wellness Week at Shildon, UK, was organized by the Engage team and the focus this year was gambling awareness and financial wellbeing.

The team’s efforts helped improve the understanding of the relationship between financial troubles and mental health through shared resources and support contacts as well as reminders of the support and advice available through PPG's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Now, more than ever, it is important to engage in health and wellbeing activities to ensure our colleagues have access to the excellent support and resources available and to promote a sense of community and team spirit in the workplace.
Nicola Heyhurst, Shildon Engage team leader and people operations partner, Aerospace, UK

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