Bring your whole self to work - wherever that may be.
In 2020 we shouldn't have to leave parts of our identity behind - be that our cultural or ethnic background, sexuality, or health - when we work.
When we’re empowered to be our ‘whole self’ at work we can build deeper connections. This helps us to be more understanding of our colleagues, so we work better together, whether online or in person.
As more organisations switch to remote working, these human connections are more vital than ever. Working from home can feel isolating, so if your organisation is working remotely, My Whole Self is a great way to strengthen your virtual relationships.
We'll be focusing the first phase of My Whole Self on keeping people connected through online activities and sharing guidance to support employees experiencing anxiety, disconnectedness, or social isolation. Share your activities and My Whole Selfies using #MyWholeSelf.
We've put together some guidance for ways to support your mental health while working from home.
Download: Supporting your mental health while working from home (PDF)
How do you look after yourself while working from home? Share your tips using #MyWholeSelf.
Create a My Whole Selfie and share your authentic self online. This is a great way to connect with colleagues if you're working remotely.
Download: How to guide (PDF)
Here is our Chief Executive Simon's example:
Read Simon's blog about My Whole Self here.
Here's the MHFA England central team getting involved:
Don't feel like posting your photo? Here's a non-selfie version: download, add text or images to describe your whole self at the bottom, and share to your Facebook or Instagram story.
Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping podcast. This time we're asking leaders from the worlds of business, sport, and more: how can we create workforces where everyone has the freedom to bring their whole self? Our first guest is Dara Nasr, Managing Director of Twitter UK.
This poster explains what My Whole Self is all about, and has three ideas for activities to build deeper connections among colleagues. Download and print, or share digitally, to promote My Whole Self in your workplace. If you're working remotely, why not try running a version of these activities digitally and let us know how you get on?
Download:
A2 poster (PDF)
A3 poster (PDF)
Guidance and details on how to run the discussion panel and 'book club' activities.
Download:
My Whole Self discussion panel activity sheet (PDF)
My Whole Self 'book club' activity sheet (PDF)
This short clip explains what My Whole Self is and why it's important. Share it at work to introduce your organisation to My Whole Self, and show your support by sharing it on social media.
Download: GIF (no sound) | MOV (with sound)
Share on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter
With just two weeks until #MyWholeSelf Day, we’re calling on organisations to empower their employees to bring their whole self to work on 18 March and all year round!
— Mental Health First Aid England (@MHFAEngland) March 4, 2020
You can download the animation and other free resources here: https://t.co/iqmwbZJVlQ pic.twitter.com/zw42UauJqm
Print or share this postcard to help promote My Whole Self in your workplace. Encourage people to fill in the front of the postcard.
Download: Postcard artwork (PDF)
Download this graphic and add to your email signature to show your organisation is taking part in My Whole Self.
Download: Email banner (PNG)
Guide for organisations on how they can take part in the conversation on My Whole Self, including suggested social media posts and web or newsletter copy.
Download: Campaign kit (PDF)
Share these to show your support for My Whole Self on social media.
"We're supporting the campaign for workplace culture change"
Download (PNG):
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
"I'm supporting the campaign for workplace culture change"
Download (PNG):
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
My Whole Self is a new campaign from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. We’re calling on organisations to empower employees to bring their whole self to work. Whether online or in person, bringing your whole self to work is a mindset that is better for wellbeing and better for business.
The highest performing workplaces are supportive and inclusive. By putting diversity and inclusion at the centre of mental health and wellbeing, employers can create a culture where people can be themselves at work. This helps people to feel more engaged, to think bolder, find common ground, and work more effectively together.
Google’s landmark Aristotle study found that ‘psychological safety’ is one of five key elements that allows a team to excel. Teams that feel safe and connected work better together. To do this they need a working environment that allows them to be authentic and show their whole self.For more details, read Simon's blog: My Whole Self and supporting the mental health of the nation.
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