Workers in the building services industry including HVAC are at some of the highest risk of suicide in the UK. Aermec is proud to be supporting this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness and promote well-being amongst its employees.
“Traditionally our sector has had a culture where workers, who in the main are men, do not talk or seek help about their mental health. It is important not to suffer in silence and obtain help through the many support services such as the NHS Talking Therapies Service, where employees can confidentially self-refer online,” explains Lucy Hutchins, Aermec’s health, safety, environment & quality manager.
This year the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Community.’ One of the fun activities Aermec will be organising during Mental Health Week is a raffle, which will bring the Aermec community together. With a range of prizes including pre-loved items needing a new home, proceeds are being donated to the Mental Health Foundation.
Isolation and loneliness can have a major impact on our health and well-being. Approximately one in five employees feel lonely at work (Gallup 2024) and loneliness is more prevalent among the under 35s.
Work location shows a distinction in the effects of loneliness. Approximately 25% of fully remote employees report higher levels of loneliness, 16% for on-site working, with hybrid workers falling between the two at around 21%.
Aermec actively supports its workplace community and strives to promote a workplace that is supportive and authentic. As a result, Aermec has added a further two mental health first aiders and now includes Lara Musina and Erica Wilson.
“A strong community in the workplace facilitates greater job satisfaction, resulting in higher retention rates, higher quality work as well as boosting employees’ mental health,” adds Lucy.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a key event. It encourages businesses and individuals to raise awareness among colleagues and friends and to advocate against the stigma that can often be associated with mental health.
