Learn why a mental health strategy is good for business with Claire Russell from MHIB

Description: Are we doing enough in our industry to support workplace mental health? Why is stress in the insurance industry a leading cause of mental and physical ill health? Mental Health – is this a tick box exercise or an ongoing programme?

Summary: Claire Russell gives us an insight into her experience of mental health in the workplace and how this led her to set up Mental Health in Business (MHIB). We discuss how the pandemic has inflated what was already considered one of the biggest public health concerns of our times and how businesses are now recognising the impact metal health has on employee reliability, productivity and retainability and how important supporting mental health in the workplace is.

Quote: “Certainly, the research, the studies that have been carried out during COVID looking at mental health all indicate that more people than ever before are experiencing symptoms of mental health. So there's a big problem”

I would urge any organisational leader to just think really carefully about what you are investing in and why. Do it for the right reasons and make sure what you are doing is meaningful.”

Resources: 2017 – Independent Review Workplace Mental Health

Run time: 14.43

About the guest:

Claire Russell, CEO, Mental Health in Business, has worked as a business leader in the insurance industry for over 20 years before moving in to workplace mental health following her own lived experience of mental illness.

About the host:

Adrian Saunders, Commercial Director at Ecclesiastical is responsible for delivering Ecclesiastical’s UK intermediated business. Before joining Ecclesiastical, Adrian held senior roles at Marsh, Zurich and Hiscox. Away from insurance, Adrian is a self-confessed cycling addict. Combining his passions for charity giving and cycling, he previously raised funds for charity by completing London Ride100 three times and cycling across Vietnam and Cambodia.

Our intention with this content is to offer insight and support on topics that our research has identified as areas of concern for our brokers. It’s important to note we’re not medical professionals and if you feel that you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek professional help. The Samaritans can be contacted free of charge on 116 123.

The guidance provided is for information purposes and is general and educational in nature and does not constitute mental health advice. You are free to choose whether or not to use it and it should not be considered a substitute for seeking professional help in specific circumstances. Accordingly, Ecclesiastical and its subsidiaries shall not be liable for any losses, damages, charges or expenses, whether direct, indirect, or consequential and howsoever arising, that you suffer or incur as a result of or in connection with your use or reliance on the information provided in this video except for those which cannot be excluded by law.

We acknowledge that an individual's experience with mental health issues or concerns is unique to that individual. If you have any questions personally or in connection with co-workers, family or friends, we encourage you to contact your General Practitioner or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one as part of your benefits plan. Where links are provided to other sites and resources of third parties, these links are provided for your information only. Ecclesiastical is not responsible for the contents of those sites or resources.

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