Storm Games' take on May's Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month in the Workplace.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of prioritising mental well-being in our lives. Throughout May, communities worldwide unite to shed light on the challenges individuals face regarding mental health and advocate for support and understanding. Our goal is to help raise awareness of the importance of your team members mental health.  

Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important in the workplace? 

Mental Health Awareness Month is pivotal in challenging the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering environments where open discussions and vulnerability are embraced. By educating workplaces, companies can create supportive atmospheres where individuals feel empowered to address mental health challenges without fear of judgment. We believe prioritising mental health cultivates a positive culture, boosting motivation and ultimately loyalty to a company. Moreover, it serves as an opportunity for companies and individuals to raise awareness and help employees with essential resources for a positive mental health.

What do we do to support our team members’ Mental Health? 

• We require all team members to start their weekend early on a Friday, finishing at midday. We actively promote self-care among our team members, encouraging them to prioritise activities that recharge them, whether it's spending time with family, indulging in a good book, binge-watching a Netflix series, or simply taking a well-deserved nap! 
  

• At Storm, we consistently place a high priority on the mental well-being of our team members. We understand that work can become overwhelming, especially when life presents challenging situations. Consequently, we are committed to facilitating opportunities for our team members to take time off as needed, whether it's for a spontaneous holiday or a well-deserved break to recharge. Additionally, we make every effort to accommodate appointments and offer necessary days off.
  

• We've implemented a flexible work policy that permits our team members to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. This decision is rooted in our commitment to prioritise the wishes of our team. We recognise that extensive travel and commuting, particularly for those living farther away, can lead to disheartenment. By offering the option to work from home on these days, we aim to foster a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere during office days, promoting a healthier work-life balance. 
  

• We understand that work occupies a significant portion of our team members' lives. Therefore, we strive to cultivate a pleasant atmosphere in the office, providing a haven where our team members can momentarily escape their worries and stress from home. To enhance the positivity within the office, we frequently organise enjoyable activities such as quizzes or group lunches. Building friendships at work is invaluable and can greatly contribute to positive mental health! 

What do our team members do to protect their Mental Health?

We asked some of our team members what they do protect and maintain a positive mind.

Louie Jordan - Junior games artist

I've recently started getting into gardening, and it has been fantastic for my mental health. Myself and my partner thoroughly enjoy spending our spare time creating a place for us to relax in. It has been so satisfying watching our hard work turn into something beautiful for all of our friends and family to enjoy.

Megan Sheldon - Marketing Executive

Taking part in exercise classes or home workouts is my go-to for nurturing my mental well-being. Being active, rejuvenates me and clears my mind, providing a much-needed energy boost. I’ve also found exercise the best way to shake off the post-work netflix slump.

David King - Head of DevOps

‘I just go find my cats;- Sometimes they're on the sofa, or on my bed. They're very cuddly cats so they don't mind being picked up and cradled, or petted, and will chase their toy squirrel for as long as you can throw it. If you have a lie down on the sofa, they always come sit on top of me and purr :)’

Sabrina Howells - Commercial Director

Being a full-time working Mum of a teenager, life can at times, be very busy! When looking after my mental health, I ensure that I allow for family time to relax and enjoy being at home, or, plan a day of shopping and lunch! Not the cheapest of events with a teenager who has good taste! But, spending time with the people I love ensures that I have a good balance. I also enjoy having some time for myself including getting my nails done and taking long baths.

Connor Maguire - Senior Game Developer

I think for me it's always been finding a quiet place in nature and doing nothing, just relaxing and listening to the ambient sounds. Back in Ireland it was in a woods near my family home, but I find here it's more by the sea. Gardening definitely comes into this too

How can I support Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Week officially kicks off on May 13th to 19th, with the theme "Movement: Moving more for our mental health". This week presents a chance to focus on prioritising not only your own mental health but also that of your team members, friends, and family.

Visit the appropriate website here.