Staff at ZF TRW’s automotive electronics plant in Peterlee, are being encouraged to talk about emotional wellbeing as part of a focus on mental health at work.
ZF TRW management at the site is highlighting the importance of mental wellbeing to its workers in a bid to eliminate the stigma often associated with the subject.
Staff have worked closely with mental health workers from charity MIND and have produced a small bespoke booklet which has been issued to all employees.
Mental health awareness training sessions were also organized for supervisors and managers, while acupuncture, mindfulness and meditation sessions were available for all staff.
ZF TRW’s HR manager Lisa Walton said: “Caring for the mind is as important as caring for the body; both are fundamental to maintain the best health possible.
“We take the health and wellbeing of our employees very seriously and understand that this is a key contributor to the overall success and growth of our business.”
Employee John Scott, a surface mount operator who has worked at the Peterlee plant since 2007, enjoyed the acupuncture and meditation sessions.
He said: “It was very relaxing and taught us a great deal. It has helped us to be calmer and equipped us to more effectively deal with a stressful situation.”
Figures from Mind show that that one in four people suffer from a mental health problem in one given year, equating to a quarter of the workforce.
The condition can affect anyone irrespective of age, personality or background and can influence the way people think, feel or behave.
Other activities undertaken by the company to promote the subject included:
Two days of mental health training for managers by Tyneside and Northumberland Mind to build knowledge of mental health in the workplace to ensure early detection and intervention, thereby reducing absence and also support staff back in to work,
A two-hour workshop for mental health champions on dealing with peers during a crisis in the work place.
Robin Finley, ZF TRW Peterlee’s plant manager said: “We are fully committed to making changes to improve health, safety and well-being and are working towards an incident and injury-free workplace.
“We will also strive to achieve a healthy, motivated workforce in a way that brings the benefits of better health to all staff, their families and the community.”