Mental Health Awareness at ABI

In 2018, the ABI launched an internal inclusion strategy of which maintaining and supporting an inclusive workplace culture was a key pillar. We view mental health as an important part of this and have taken numerous steps to ensure colleagues feel able to bring their whole selves to work and are supported to speak up and seek help if they are struggling with their mental health.

As part of our strategy, in 2019, the ABI partnered with MIND to deliver compulsory mental health awareness training to all colleagues. We are currently planning follow up mental health first aider training to ensure colleagues have a skilled first line of support should they need it. The ABI also provide an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) giving colleagues free access to specialist consultants and counsellors who can offer 24/7 assistance on a wide range of work and non-work related issues. Additionally, in early 2019, the ABI launched a new GP scheme giving colleagues and their family unrestricted telephone access to a GP at any time of day or night and from anywhere in the world.

To support general wellbeing, the ABI encourage colleagues to use the informal working arrangements policy to flex their hours and work from home where needed to make sure they’re able to participate in activities that are important to them and balance these with their working life. A range of wellbeing activities and workshops are available to colleagues throughout the year including practical mindfulness and meditation sessions.

In order to measure overall employee wellbeing, the ABI runs a yearly engagement survey which covers questions around colleagues feeling the ABI care about their health and wellbeing and colleagues feeling respected and are proud to have scored consistently highly in these areas.