Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England has launched a campaign, calling on leaders to empower their colleagues to ‘bring their whole self to work’.

The new workplace culture change campaign comes ahead of My Whole Self Day, which takes place on 18 March and will see organisations from across the country shine a light on mental health in the workplace.

The business-backed campaign aims to recognise the connection between diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and performance. It claims that by putting EDI at the centre of mental health and wellbeing, employers can create a culture where people can be themselves at work.

“Up and down the country lots of people who experience discrimination and inequalities go in to work hiding bits of themselves – whether that be in making decisions about what to wear, their sexual or gender identity, divorce, loneliness, or a mental illness,” MHFA England CEO, Simon Blake said.

“When we are hiding parts of ourselves our mind is focused on protection rather than performance. Bringing our whole self to work moves us out of out of this protective zone, which can cause unnecessary stress, and into a space where we can build healthy relationships, excel, innovate, and lead well – all of which impacts positively on our sense of belonging and wellbeing," he added.

“When people at all levels are able to be their true, authentic self at work it helps us win. It is not only better for wellbeing, it is better for business.”

MHFA England is encouraging other organisations – charities and businesses alike – to celebrate the first My Whole Self Day. It has launched free resources to help organisations support their employers, start conversations and build deeper connections between colleagues. You can access the information here.

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