Arcadis, the leading global Design and Consultancy for natural and built assets, is celebrating after winning the prize for ‘Best Mental Health Initiative’ for large companies at the Legal & General ‘Not A Red Card Awards’.
The awards recognise organisations and individuals that have developed and implemented best practices around addressing mental health in the workplace. With only six awards up for grabs, Arcadis beat strong competition in the category from Barclays and GKN Aerospace. The judges were particularly impressed with Arcadis’ integrated approach to mental health, which heralded new initiatives for the business – such as training Mental Health First Aiders across their 22 UK offices and conducting an extensive education and training programme – whilst sustaining focus within wider company culture and existing operations.
The Mental Health First Aid programme is a key component of Arcadis’ efforts to advocate and change perceptions towards mental health within the construction, built and natural environment sector. The win highlights the consultancy’s commitment to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of its business and builds on recent ‘employer of choice’ rankings on Glassdoor and in the Sunday Times best 25 big companies to work for in the UK.
Mark Cowlard, CEO, Arcadis UK and Ireland said:
“Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing our industry today, particularly within the construction sector. That’s why, back in 2017, we signed the ‘Time to Change’ employer pledge, committing to promote and support good mental health awareness and wellbeing across Arcadis.
“Colleagues across our business have worked tirelessly over the last two years to drive the programme forward, challenging preconceptions and importantly instigating conversation. We’re encouraging our people to be open about mental health and – working closely with Mental Health First Aid England – we have invested in equipping 125 mental health first aiders with the skills to support those in need and, where necessary, signpost to professional services.”
Vanessa Sallows, Claims & Governance Director, Group Protection, Legal & General said:
“The Not A Red Card awards were established to recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals for implementing good practices in dealing with mental health in the workplace. This was to take the mental health agenda forward from not just raising the awareness and reducing the stigma but to taking and embedding action. Arcadis were recognised as they focused on their key strategic themes and vision, had CEO support and demonstrated a cohesive collaborative approach.”
