Movember at Salix by James Garth, Client Support Officer

Movember at Salix by James Garth, Client Support Officer

Looking after your mental health is becoming an increasing priority in the fast-paced and stressful society we live in today. Around the world, on average, men die six years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons. That is why this month Salix are supporting Movember through a focus on mental health and wellbeing, looking at how prevention, early intervention and communication can support our staff both in work and as part of their personal lives. 

Employee wellbeing is one of Salix’s top priorities, as an organisation which prides itself on equal and fair support for all. I joined Salix in September as a recent graduate and during the interview process, I was pleased to find that I was asked how I maintain both my mental and physical health. I was glad to see that I was applying to a company that was mindful about this important issue! During my induction, I was also introduced to the company’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Employee Assistance Programme, which I believe is a significant reason for our success in achieving the Investors in People Gold Accreditation this year.

Those experiencing difficulty with mental health may have subtle or even no obvious symptoms. Our goal for November is to ensure that we are proactively looking after ourselves and our peers. Salix has arranged a programme of eight mental health and wellbeing workshops to take place across November, which are focused on building resilience, which will be offered to all staff. I will be involved in workshops focusing on resilience, self-limiting beliefs and emotional intelligence, which I know will be particularly useful in helping me overcome the challenges of starting my first full-time job.

It’s great to see that Salix are including all staff, because although Movember is a charity primarily focused on men’s health, everyone can experience mental challenges. I am proud to be part of a company that is doing so much to help its employees.

Our goals go beyond our office walls and the objective is to play our part in opening the conversation around mental health and breaking stigmas. This means that you’ll be sure to see the Salix males proudly wearing their (attempted!) moustaches this month in support of this great cause.

Any donations to our Movember page will be greatly appreciated, which you can find here.