At Zen Fundraising, we know that caring for our mental health is as important as working for the incredible causes we support.
The World Federation of Mental Health's theme for this year focuses on workplace mental health. It highlights the importance of addressing mental well-being in professional environments to benefit individuals and organisations.
Supporting wellbeing in the workplace
One of our main aims as an employer is to support the mental health of our team. Our HR Coordinator, Jodie, shared some helpful resources with the team today, including contact numbers for organisations like Mind, Samaritans, CALM and Shout, and her contact details, reminding everyone that support is always available.
“We haven’t had anyone report struggles with mental health, but if we do, we will ensure complete confidentiality and take each case individually. If it’s work-related, we’ll evaluate working conditions or workloads. If it’s personal, we’ll refer them to the right resources or offer time off to help them recover.” - Jodie, Zen Fundraising HR
Our commitment to mental health involves responding to challenges and creating an environment that promotes well-being from the start. To ensure well-being is an integral part of our workplace culture, we offer four-day working weeks, access to massage and chiropractor appointments, and other well-being and fitness benefits.
The benefits of four-day working weeks
Four-day working weeks play a big part in this. Our mission and responsibilities can be challenging - we’re often out on busy streets, engaging with people who may be too rushed to stop. It requires resilience and treating each prospective donor as a new opportunity.
One of the most cited benefits of a four-day workweek is the positive impact on employees' mental health and overall well-being. Many recent studies have linked reduced working hours to lower stress levels, reduced burnout, and more time for personal activities and hobbies.
Zen is all about balance, and we apply this to everything we do. Work-life balance ensures that our team stays motivated and ready to make a difference every day.
Wellbeing is woven into our mission - spreading the joy of giving.
Mental well-being is at the core of our mission because our mission is to connect people to the causes that matter. Causes that protect the well-being of children, people in crisis, and our environment. When we help others, we create a domino effect of positive impact, not only in the lives of those we support but also within ourselves.
Besides, giving feels good!
Studies have shown that donating to charity activates the brain’s pleasure centres, releasing chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
These chemicals contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment. Giving through a donation, volunteering, or social support has been linked to better psychological well-being, improved health, and even reduced risks of high blood pressure.
We’re so proud to be part of this process, connecting donors to essential causes while helping them experience the emotional and health benefits of giving.
A pledge for Mental Health
As we honour World Mental Health Day, we must recognise that many struggle to get the support they need.
2 million people in the UK are currently stuck on waiting lists for NHS mental health services, with many on the brink of crisis.'' - Mind Charity
We stand with Mind Charity, calling for better mental health support and urgent political change.
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