Championing wellbeing at Neptune: Embracing My Whole Self
At MHFA England®, we’re always inspired by organisations that prioritise mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Neptune. They are a British interiors and lifestyle brand that has wholeheartedly embraced the principles of our My Whole Self campaign with remarkable dedication and enthusiasm.
Join us as we take a deep dive into Neptune’s journey toward fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone’s mental health matters!
A vision for wellbeing
Neptune’s commitment to employee wellbeing is evident from the top down. We spoke with Daisy Walker, their Retail Operations Lead, who shared some insights into how their mental health journey began.
In 2021, a group of passionate individuals at Neptune recognised the need for a comprehensive wellbeing initiative to support their employees. They set out on a journey with a vision to educate, support, and empower their workforce.
Celebrating milestones
Their dedication to employee wellbeing has led to numerous achievements and milestones along the way.
When asked about some of the most rewarding moments, Daisy highlighted the following:
‘Our ‘firsts’ have always been the most rewarding and continue to make us proud of what we do, and how we can continue to do our very best.
From onboarding our first group of MHFAiders®, the launch of our Employee Assistance Programme, and the coordination of events in the workplace.’
One particular standout moment for Neptune was during their first World Mental Health Day event, which saw colleagues come together to talk about the day, sharing experiences and supporting one another.
Aligning values with My Whole Self
Central to Neptune’s approach to mental health and wellbeing is their alignment with the core principles of MHFA England’s My Whole Self campaign. Their values, including ‘Do The Right Thing’ and ‘Do It Together’ underscore their commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and inclusivity. Tools like MyWholeSelfies encourage open dialogue and empower employees to engage in conversations about mental health. By prioritising mental health and wellbeing and encouraging staff to approach everything they do by being a good human being, Neptune embodies the ethos of My Whole Self in action.
Collaboration for collective wellbeing
Recognising that holistic wellbeing is a team effort, Neptune brings together MHFAiders and Mental Health Champions from across the business. Through regular meetings and workshops, they share resources and coordinate initiatives to promote mental health awareness.
The impact of My Whole Self has been profound at Neptune, fostering strengthened bonds and inclusivity across departments. One recent initiative involved scheduling sessions with Neptune’s operational teams, particularly those who do not speak English as their first language. These sessions looked to raise awareness of available support resources for employees.
Currently, their team is focusing on addressing men’s wellbeing. Neptune’s commitment to being ‘One Neptune’ is clear in their approach to these initiatives. They strive to create a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued by collaborating and supporting one another.
Sustaining momentum and enthusiasm
Maintaining momentum for wellbeing initiatives requires ongoing effort and dedication. Neptune achieves this through regular communication channels, monthly newsletters, and the passion of individuals dedicated to driving change. Through keeping the conversation alive and fostering a sense of community, the business ensures wellbeing remains a top priority for all.
Spreading the message beyond Neptune
Neptune’s dedication to employee wellbeing extends beyond their organisation. Potential hires often cite their prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing as a key factor in their decision to join. By sharing their journey, Neptune hopes to inspire other companies to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, Neptune aims to create a ripple effect that drives positive change in workplaces across industries.
Advice for organisations getting started
For workplaces looking to prioritise employee wellbeing, Neptune offers valuable advice: Lead with empathy, prioritise people, and leverage available resources to kickstart initiatives.
‘At Neptune, four people who each had their own passion for the importance of mental health sat around a table and brainstormed how we would create our strategy. We developed the initiative alongside our day-to-day roles within the business. I’m grateful to the brand for allowing me to lead this initiative alongside my co-lead, as well as working with our MHFAiders and Mental Health Champions to continue to develop and build awareness of the importance of wellbeing, both inside and outside of the workplace.’ – Daisy Walker, Retail Operations Lead at Neptune
By conducting thorough research, identifying passionate individuals, and formulating a comprehensive wellbeing strategy, organisations can lay the groundwork for a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Neptune’s hard work in championing mental health and wellbeing can serve as a beacon of inspiration for organisations everywhere. By embracing the principles of My Whole Self and fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and inclusivity, Neptune has set the standard for employee wellbeing initiatives.
As we continue our journey towards improving the mental health of the nation, let Neptune’s story remind us of the transformative impact of prioritising mental health in the workplace.
Make your start with MHFA England
At MHFA England, we’re proud to support organisations like Neptune in their efforts to promote mental health knowledge, awareness and support.
To learn more about how MHFA England can help your organisation prioritise mental health, explore our consultancy services and resources today.