10th October symbolises World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. 

At Telefónica Tech, we understand the importance of creating a strong support network for our people, where no one is afraid to ask for help when they need it. Telefónica Tech is committed to ending the stigma around mental health by creating an inclusive, supportive working environment for all colleagues. There are multiple different activities and support systems in place to promote health and wellness inside and outside of the workplace.  

Incremental Health and Wellness group 

Incremental’s Health and Wellness group was started by a team of volunteers in early 2019, who came together to deliver initiatives that create a positive, healthy working environment for colleagues, nurturing an inclusive and supportive culture. When the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and the business shifted to remote working, concerns were raised over loneliness and the impact this can have on mental health – it was through this, the group began to grow momentum across the wider business. 

The Health and Wellness group also seek to educate colleagues on what they can gain from the business, aside from developing their careers. To do this, focused sessions based on different company benefits are held. For example, a session dedicated to private medical insurance (one of our benefits!) was run by Telefónica Tech’s chosen insurance provider. This level of transparency is important at Telefónica Tech, as it is understood that taking good care of employees is paramount to a strong business.   

Combatting isolation 

During the pandemic, the Telefónica Tech People team facilitated weekly check-in calls to ensure that staff members were not feeling lonely while working remotely. These calls let colleagues take time out of their working day to have a friendly catch-up, and even gave members of the organisation that would not usually have worked together an occasion to interact and engage. This was warmly regarded by all colleagues, who found the chats valuable for their mental health and combatting isolation during uncertain times. The company has now adopted a hybrid-working approach, and these catch-ups are still encouraged to prevent seclusion for those working from home. In-person social events are also back for all to enjoy, bringing together colleagues from across the business and reinforcing that sense of community that is so important.  

Mental health first aid training

Incremental know that actions speak louder than words, which is why 37 colleagues (and counting) are trained as mental health first aiders. This involved a 2-day training course where attendees were trained on how to spot a mental health crisis and guidance on getting individuals the correct help. 

Viva Insights 

As a technology business, one way that Telefónica Tech uses technology in day-to-day life to improve wellbeing is the Headspace mindfulness app, integrated with Viva Insights (available on Microsoft Teams). This is an app that all colleagues have access to and provides daily guided meditations at the beginning and end of each working day, allowing users to get into a peaceful mindset in the morning, and cool down at the end of the day.  

Supporting the mental health is a priority 

Senior Microsoft 365 Consultant and key driver of Telefónica Tech’s Health and Wellness activities, Sheena McHardy, said, “In such a rapidly growing business, it’s important that staff members know there are multiple ways for them to reach out to find support for their mental health and wellbeing, and we have a strong community of people within the business who are trained to help.” If you would like to find out more about Telefónica Tech’s approach to mental health, read this blog. If you would like to join Telefónica Tech in raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation, you can donate here.