Today is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is ‘workplace mental health’. We want to echo the day’s aim of exploring why good mental wellness in the workplace can benefit everyone, as well as showcasing what we’re doing at Corps Security to create a culture of wellness.
Studies show that when employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and use lateral thinking skills. It leads to better mental and physical health, resulting in improved overall wellbeing.
Creating a mentally well work culture is not just about offering perks. Employers must cultivate an environment where people feel respected, connected, and purposeful. A friendly, supportive atmosphere can make all the difference in attracting top talent and driving long-term success for everyone.
Everything we do is underpinned by our People, Planet, and Purpose philosophy to promote our colleagues’ mental health.
People
We work to ensure that everyone at Corps Security feels like they are taken care of. As a social enterprise, our profits are re-invested back into the business and our colleagues, or are donated to one of the many charities we support, like Combat Stress. On 17th to 21st September, our colleagues took part in a four-day trek along Hadrian’s Wall to fundraise for this important charity. Because of their incredible efforts, they raised £7,858 from this event alone, as well as £860.15 from Gift Aid.
Our support structures at Corps Security are designed to benefit everyone. Corps Together supports diversity, equality, and inclusivity with its various support and advocacy groups for protected characteristics. With seven groups supporting parents & carers, race equity, women, interfaith, LGBTQ+ and disabled employees, we’re proud of our diverse colleagues that make up our security base and support staff.
Planet
We recognise the effects that physical health can have on mental health. A 2023 study for Public Health England found that walking and cycling can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. We support this with the Cycle to Work scheme and increased our commitment to £1,000 per employee for new bikes.
Most recently, we partnered with Treekly. If our colleagues walk 5,000 steps daily for more than 20 days, Treekly will plant mangrove in Mombasa, Kenya on their behalf. As a side effect of improving physical and mental health, this incentive will also contribute to reforestation efforts and have a positive impact on the planet.
Purpose
We never forget the mission of our organisation, set out by Captain Sir Edward Walter, who founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the mission to provide employment to veterans of the Crimean War. Our priority is to take care of veterans in everything we do. By building a strong community, we aim to exemplify good mental health.
The Corps Veterans’ Association supports the those leaving the forces who work at Corps, to create comradeship and providing emotional support. Veterans can also access specific support when facing financial or personal hardship.
Finding joy in the everyday
For those of us working at Corps Security, we create a sense of community every day. Wellness comes from meaning, which is embedded in all we do and the communities our colleagues foster. Here’s to a bright future.
