Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace - The Partnership Between Workplace Mental Health Charter and WGC

Includability is about connections! And we proud to connect our incredible Verification Partners for our Mental Health Star, The Workplace Mental Health Charter with our brilliant Includability Committed Employers, WGC.

WGC have gone above and beyond The Charter’s expectations recently, by not only committing to train new Mental Health First Aiders and Mental Health Champions, but also reach out to The Charter to help develop an entirely new mental health strategy for their Company

About the Workplace Mental Health Charter and WGC

The Workplace Mental Health Charter, with its emphasis on awareness, support, and training, serves as a guiding light for organisations seeking to prioritise mental health in the workplace.

By offering organisations tools and training to become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA), Suicide Awareness Training and Mental Health Champion Training (MHCT) for their teams, they empower employers to create environments that foster positive health, well-being and resilience among their staff.

WGC is a renowned provider of outsourced hotel cleaning services, is committed to excellence and professionalism in all aspects of their work. Making them the cleaning company of choice for many of the world's best-known hotel brands, as well as a diverse range of other businesses.

Their partnership with the Workplace Mental Health Charter underscores their dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

A Connection Through Includability: The Birth of a Collaboration

Includability is a workplace standard dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Our members undergo a 6-Stage Verification Process to achieve our Includability Committed Employer standard, where companies make commitments to improve their standards in diversity and inclusion, sustainability, mental health, wellbeing, talent management, and leadership and governance.

The Charter administers our mental health star, offering advice and training to all of our potential members looking to join our expansive community.

It was through WGC’s Verification Process that Michael Lloyd, Founder of the Workplace Mental Health Charter, found a meaningful connection with the hotel cleaning specialists. Despite not having an expansive mental health strategy in place initially, WGC exuded enthusiasm and openness to embracing change and improvement.

The Transformative Impact of Mental Health Star Recognition

Following the introduction facilitated by Includability, the relationship between The Charter and WGC blossomed into a partnership grounded in mutual growth and support. The Charter's recognition of WGC's commitment to mental health, through the award of the Mental Health Star, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for both Companies.

Since first meeting with Michael, they are planning on training over 100 members of their staff in Mental Health First Aid with Mental Health Champion training offered to all management staff members who are passionate about helping their colleagues, family and friends. Michael applauds WGC's genuine engagement with the training, emphasising their sincere dedication to supporting their colleagues' health and well-being.

Michael said, "I am so grateful to Includability for connecting us! WGC want to expand their mental health strategy and develop a long-term relationship which will help their staff identify mental health challenges early within the team and signpost their colleagues who may be need the support to helpful organisations.

“You have everything you need to develop well-rounded workplace culture with Includability. Whether it's help with ED&I policy, mental health, sustainability or governance, Includability has a partnership to help you out."

WGC’s Champions of Mental Health Advocacy

At WGC, championing Mental Health is not just strategy but part of their core values. Through proactive initiatives and employee buy in, their teams are passionate about ensuring the workplace is a place where individuals can truly thrive.

Martin Birch, CEO of WGC said “Thank you to our dedicated colleagues who go above and beyond every day. They’re not just committed to their work but also to understanding mental health to help each other. With Mental Health Champions across all levels of the organisation we’re breaking the stigma around Mental Health from the inside out. Thanks to the Includability Verification process, colleagues at WGC have been able to build incredible partnerships to allow for meaningful change not just within WGC but also in their personal lives.”

Evolving Mental Health Strategies

As the partnership between the Workplace Mental Health Charter and WGC continues to flourish, WGC has elevated its commitment to mental health beyond training programmes. Embracing a holistic approach, they have become Gold Members of the Charter and are actively exploring innovative initiatives such as Tea & Toast sessions, Quarterly check-ins, Lunch & learns, and In-person events.

Find Your Perfect ConneXXion with Includability

Join the Includability community today and unlock a world of resources, ConneXXions, and opportunities to elevate your strategies to the next level. Whether it's guidance on ED&I policy development, mental health initiatives, sustainability practices, or governance frameworks, Includability has the partnerships and expertise to support your journey towards a more inclusive and resilient workplace.

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