Improving wellbeing

Shaun Davis, director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability, has won the Institute of Directors, London and South East CSR Director of the Year Award.

The annual awards aim to raise awareness among Institute of Director members and the wider business community of the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and to economic prosperity in London and the South East.

Attended by business leaders, entrepreneurs, government and media representatives, the awards recognise directors from diverse regional businesses across the area.

‘I am delighted to have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation,’ said Shaun. ’The great work done by all my colleagues across Royal Mail demonstrates what a caring and responsible employer we are and I accepted the award very much with them in mind and our values of Be Positive, Be Brilliant, and especially Be Part of It at the forefront of my thoughts.

‘I plan to use the recognition in a very positive way to further the work we do, especially in the promotion of mental health at work.’

Joining Royal Mail Group in September 2012, Shaun has led a number of improvement programmes across a range of areas - contributing to improvements in accident prevention and a reduction in road traffic collisions.

Shaun has led an organisation wide attendance improvement programme as part of a broader wellbeing and health promotion agenda, with particular attention being paid to mental health, musculoskeletal issues and problems affecting an ageing workforce.

Tackling mental health

According to the Institute of Directors, the UK is facing a much larger mental health challenge than originally thought.

Six months ago, Prime Minister Theresa May commissioned a report: ‘Thriving at Work’. The report makes recommendations to Government with the overarching vision that in the next 10 years, all organisations will address and prevent mental ill health caused by or worsened by work.

This independent review showed the harsh realities that:

• The UK is facing a significant mental health challenge at work
• 300,000 people with a long term mental health problem lose their jobs each year
• 15% of people at work have symptoms of an existing mental health condition
• The UK has 15% lower production levels than other G7 countries due to mental health.

Help is at hand

We want everyone who works for Royal Mail to feel they can be open about their mental health, and ask for support if they need it.

Feeling First Class is our health and wellbeing programme. For advice and support, visit www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk and use the code FFC1 to register.

Colleagues can also contact First Class Support by calling 0800 688 8777 to access counselling, practical help and legal advice.

Click here to see the full range of support available to you.