New workplace wellbeing resource from Samaritans

Samaritans have launched a set of online learning tools specifically for City workers. The set of learning tools will help employees to look after their own mental wellbeing and that of their friends and colleagues. Three out of five people have experienced mental health issues due to work but only one in ten feel able to tell their manger. And the legal profession is no different. Many in the legal community are working long hours, under extreme pressure and feel unable to ask for help.

Achieving real change starts with all of us learning emotional literacy and knowing how to recognise and manage emotions. This is as important as learning to read and write. That’s why we have launched Wellbeing in the City, in partnership with PwC and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.  

Wellbeing in the City

Wellbeing in the City brings Samaritans’ expertise into the workplace. The online learning tool gives employees the skills and courage to intervene when someone is struggling, actively listen and manage difficult conversations. It also helps people manage their own mental wellbeing.

It takes less than 90 minutes to complete and can be accessed in short sections of around 10 minutes, so it fits around busy lives. These tools will help employees to:

• recognise the signs of emotional distress in others
• feel more confident approaching and talking to someone in distress
• recognise the importance of looking after their own wellbeing
• improve their listening skills.

Not only will this help create happier and healthier staff, but it will also improve productivity. In 2016 and 2017, 12.5 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety. And the cost to UK employers is huge - an estimated £13.94 billion.  

Together, we can create a whole network of support across the legal community. With your help and a commitment to listening, we believe the initiative will not only change lives, it could save lives too. 

Join other well known city organisations including KPMG, Bank of England and PwC. Email Matthew Gray at Samaritans for more information on registering - m.gray@samaritans.org.