62: On Aon’s Better Being Series - Part 5: Mental Health at Work and the Importance of Creating Kinder Cultures with Rachel Fellowes and David Beeney

While companies around the world increase their focus on mental health in the workplace, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to challenge leaders and employees alike. In the fifth episode of our Better Being series, host and Aon’s Chief Wellbeing Officer, Rachel Fellowes, is joined by mental health consultant and founder of Breaking the Silence, David Beeney, for a conversation about mental health and why creating a kinder work culture is so important.

• [3:04] David’s personal experience with mental health and his focus on helping employers create a kinder workplace
• [6:04] David’s unique perspective on his career and mission
• [7:21] Defining and overcoming the stigma around mental health in the workplace
• [15:24] Practical tips for engaging with greater kindness
• [22:22] Gender role statistics and stigmas
• [25:47] A five year look at the future of wellbeing in the workplace
• [27:24] David’s key takeaways and advice for improving workplace kindness

Additional Resources:
This epsiode contains sensitive topics surrounding mental health, resources are available below.

Aon’s website

Aon’s 2022-2023 Global Wellbeing Survey

Rachel Fellowes LinkedIn

Better Up Mental Health Blog

David Beeney Resources

• Breaking The Silence Website
• LinkedIn

UK Mental Health Support/Contacts

• Samaritans.org
• The Calm Zone
• Mind.org
• Tommy’s
• Child Bereavement UK

US Mental Health Support/Contacts

• Mental Health First Aid
• Childhood Bereavement US

Tweetables:

• “My life changed for the better when I first outed myself about my mental health.” — David Beeney
• “We don’t know how to talk about mental health without fear.” — David Beeney
• “Unless you create a kind culture in the workplace, you will never optimize performance from your people.” — David Beeney
• “When you create a kinder culture at work, your best people are less likely to leave.” — David Beeney
• “The language we use around the workplace is very important in creating a kinder culture.” — David Beeney
• “If you don’t create a culture where people feel safe to put their hand up and say ‘I need help,’ all this effort will go to waste.” — David Beeney
• “Where we share vulnerability, we inspire people.” — David Beeney