Change consultancy invests in employees ' mental wealth

Birmingham-based business change consultancy, Entec Si, has created a Mental Wealth Working Group, which aims to help its employees open up about their mental health during the pandemic and tackle feelings of isolation and stress.

Entec Si says the events of 2020 solidified the need for a dedicated safe space, where staff could voice their concerns without fear of judgment.

This came in the form of a Teams channel run by the business ' Mental Wealth team, as well as the promotion of open and honest conversation from the directors down.

The group also welcomes people to approach them individually, should this make them more comfortable.

Overseen by Eman Al-Hillawi, director and co-founder, the Mental Wealth Working Group consists of a project team and a number of 'champions '.

Although unable to provide professional advice, the members are undertaking training to identify the best approaches to take for a variety of mental health issues.

The Mental Wealth team created a signposting document for all to use, ensuring that people are pointed in the right direction should they need professional support.

Working alongside the company 's CSR group, the Mental Wealth team also arranges events each month with the goal of bringing the company together.

As part of this, a number of Entec Si 's employees have taken part in Veganuary, sharing recipes with each other and assessing how they can be more sustainable with their everyday choices.

To mark 'Blue Monday ', the group also held a 'Brew Monday ' event, consisting of a virtual coffee meeting where there was a conscious effort to steer conversation away from the topics of Covid-19 and work, allowing people 's minds to rest.

Eman Al-Hillawi (pictured), co-founder and director of Entec Si, said: “The nature of consultancy work means many of us are focused on different clients and projects. However, it is vital that we take the time to talk altogether, making real connections in what can be a lonely time.

“We hope that having a dedicated Mental Wealth group will remove the stigma that often looms over mental health. Our people will always be our priority, and the pandemic has put into perspective just how important the support of our colleagues is. ”