Travis Perkins accelerates employee mental wellbeing initiatives

Travis Perkins has revealed that it has accelerated its commitment to ensure there are six times more mental health first aiders (MHFAs) in its business this summer than there were at the start of the year.

The safety and wellbeing of colleagues is reportedly the group’s “number one priority”, with the company aiming to increase the number of accredited MHFAs from 40 to over 250 to proactively manage colleagues’ wellbeing in the workplace.

This initiative complements a raft of other support for colleagues, which includes an employee assistance programme for counselling and emotional support as well as a mental wellbeing app and assessment tool.

Also included in the group’s support package is activity and mindfulness resources, discounts on gym memberships, exercise equipment, online fitness and other financial offers to help balance the physical, financial and mental aspect of wellbeing.

In addition, the company has also put in place a range of support mechanisms to safeguard the MHFAs themselves, so they protect their own health and wellbeing.

Richard Byrne, group HSE and fleet director at Travis Perkins, said: “During Covid, our mental health and wellbeing have been put to the test like never before, but as an industry leader with a proud history of upholding family values, our strong people focus has served us well.

“Our MHFAs play a key role as ambassadors across all areas of wellbeing; to be the first port of call in the workplace for mental health support for colleagues, raise awareness and encourage positive behaviours amongst our workforce on a voluntary basis, and to identify signs of poor mental health and help individuals access professional support if they need it.”