Prioritising mental health has never been more important, which is why Kids Planet is pleased to have signed up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment.

By signing this pledge, the 132 nursery-strong group is declaring that mental health at work is a priority at Kids Planet, and that they recognise the importance of promoting and supporting each team’s mental health.

Lucie Sweeney, Wellbeing Manager at Kids Planet, said:

“As a company, we are proud to have signed up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment, developed with the knowledge and expertise of mental health charities, leading employers and trade organisations.

“The Mental Health at Work Commitment provides a framework of six standards, based on what best practice has shown is needed to make a difference and better equip employers to create an environment where employees can thrive.

“Our Kids Planet Wellbeing Strategy incorporates all the standards outlined in the framework and we are excited to join a growing movement of over 1200 likeminded employers, businesses and organisations across the UK who also share our passion for supporting the health and happiness of colleagues.”

Kids Planet’s very own Wellbeing Manager, Lucie Sweeney, has developed and implemented a wellbeing strategy for the whole company, which includes:

• EAP Assistance programme
• Occupational health support
• Programme of Mental Health First Aider training
• Wellbeing calendar of events
• Monthly wellbeing newsletter
• Employee of the month scheme
• Free breakfast/lunch/toiletries
• Annual company awards
• Social events and Christmas party
• Health and wellbeing policy
• Wellbeing Champions
• Employee Forum
• Regular reviews of reward, recognition and benefits
• And much more!

In a survey of UK adults conducted by Business in the Community in partnership with Bupa in 2020, only 51% of employees said that they feel comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace, whilst 39% report that they have experienced a work-related mental health issue in the last year.

That’s why it is so important to the growing company to sign up to this pledge, and Kids Planet is looking forward to what the future holds whilst continuing to make Kids Planet a great place to work for everybody.