Comment from GRiD on Blue Monday: perfect opportunity to support mental wellbeing of staff

18 January 2021

“A concern with national awareness days is that they may appear to make light of a serious issue. However, in practice they provide an opportunity to increase knowledge and understanding. The third Monday in January may or may not be any more difficult than any other day. But Blue Monday does provide employers with an opportunity to remind their staff about support that’s available. It’s also a chance for employees to talk about any struggles they have and to feel comfortable in doing so. In addition, hearing about the challenges of others is valuable in helping people feel less alone.

“The increased awareness of the prevalence of mental health struggles, particularly in this past year, has coincided with an increased range of support available to employees. This is both in the actual propositions as well as how they can be accessed. Tele and video counselling, remote access and personalised apps all make the act of getting help easier than ever before. It’s vital that employers keep abreast of new developments that are now available so they can choose the most appropriate support to offer their staff. It’s equally vital that they let their staff know what support they’ve made available and encourage them to use it.

“The health and wellbeing industry has been at the forefront of developing support for mental wellness. Many employee benefits, including group risk (employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness) automatically come with extra support for mental health. Blue Monday provides a perfect opportunity for employers to make mental wellbeing a priority. It’s a time for employers to investigate the support available, look at what’s most appropriate for their workforce and to make sure they have a working policy which actively supports the mental wellbeing of staff.”

Katharine Moxham, Spokesperson for GRiD

For further information please contact:

Sharon Mason 
SMUK Marketing and PR
smason@smuk.org.uk 
Mob: 07747 611773
Land: 01252 843350

Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson for GRiD
Katharine.moxham@grouprisk.org.uk
Mob: 07887 512508

About GRiD

Group Risk Development (GRiD) is the industry body for the group risk sector, promoting the value to UK businesses of providing financial protection for their staff, enhancing their wellbeing and improving employee engagement. Our membership includes insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries and those operating in (or with other interests in) the UK group risk market. Together this forms a collective wealth of experience built over many years. Under the chairmanship of Paul White (senior consultant, Howden Insurance Brokers) GRiD aims to promote group risk through a collective voice to Government, policymakers, stakeholders and employers.

GRiD works with government departments and regulators involved in legislation and regulation affecting group risk benefits, and with other organisations involved in the benefits and financial protection arenas. GRiD also seeks to enhance the industry’s standing by encouraging best practice and by participating in industry-wide initiatives such as the professional qualification in group risk managed jointly with the Chartered Insurance Institute.

GRiD’s media activity aims to generate a wider awareness and understanding of group risk products and their benefits for employers and employees.

GRiD’s dedicated spokesperson, Katharine Moxham, provides expert media comment on a full range of group risk issues.

www.grouprisk.org.uk

Follow Katharine Moxham on Twitter @KMoxham