Norton Rose Fulbright held events for staff to highlight the issue of mental health in the run-up to World Mental Health Awareness Day in 2014.
The global law firm launched its mental health awareness strategy in October 2014. In the week running up to World Mental Health Awareness Day it held a series of lunchtime talks for staff in conjunction with providers including Bupa and Roodlane Medical, as well as local GPs and gyms. These were intended to highlight the importance of a good work-life balance and good overall health.
The final event was a talk exploring how to eradicate the stigma around mental health problems.
Vicky Rose, reward, pensions and mobility manager at Norton Rose Fulbright, says: “Mental health affects performance, productivity and relationships in the workplace and it is therefore essential that we identify and support individuals with mental health issues at an early stage to prevent detrimental long-lasting effects.”
Rose explains that legal practices can be stressful working environments where employees have to cope with hectic schedules and extensive hours.
The law firm aims to ensure an open and supportive culture by offering counselling and a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP), which enables employees to talk confidentially about their problems.
Rose says: “Individuals sometimes feel more comfortable using this service than sharing personal information with their manager or HR department and they can be assured that no details will be divulged.”