Chalk + Ward signs Time to Change Pledge

Exeter based marketing agency Chalk + Ward has become one of the first business in the South West to sign the Time to Change Employer Pledge.

Time to Change, which is run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, has been supporting employers to a create a more open and understanding culture around mental health problems in the workplace since 2009. The organisation assists employers to develop their workplace wellbeing interventions and action plans.

By signing the Time to Change Employer Pledge, Chalk + Ward has committed to changing the way people think and act about mental health in the workplace. They have also joined a growing number of more than 1,000 organisations including Tesco, Stagecoach UK, and many NHS trusts, universities and local authorities.

Robert Chalk, Managing Director of Chalk + Ward, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our employees is extremely important to us and we are always striving for ways to improve our work culture and ensure staff know how valued they are.

“Signing the Time to Change pledge shows our genuine commitment to recognising the importance ofwellbeing and making sure our approach to mental health in the workplace is supportive of our employees.”

So far, Chalk + Ward have overhauled their annual staff appraisals turning them into quarterly, employee- led career conversations; they have created a wellbeing page on their website; and they have started to organise and hold regular staff socials through their newly established Culture Club.

Lisa Prescott, Director of Chalk + Ward, added: “I feel very strongly about the importance of good mentalhealth in the workplace. Our team are our priority and we want to encourage them to talk openly about any mental health issues, which is why we have already started to change the way we operate and to focusmore on the wellbeing of our staff.”

Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said: “We’re delighted to see Chalk + Ward take the Time to Change Employers Pledge. In doing so, they are demonstrating a real commitment to changing the way weall think and act about mental health in the workplace.”

“We know it can be hard to talk about mental health, which is why we work with employers to encouragestaff at all levels to open up; to talk and to listen. Too many people with mental health problems are made

to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless, but with the right support, those of us with mental health problemscan recover and have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Everyone’s attitude makes a difference and it’sfantastic to see organisations like Chalk + Ward taking the lead.”

Chalk + Ward won the ‘Well-being’ Space Award in 2018 for their relaxed workspace or break-out roomknown as ‘Switzerland’. The Award acknowledges the best work spaces and initiatives in businesses in and around Exeter.

Lisa Prescott also won the Venus 2018 Employer of the Year Award, which recognises a female friendly boss with up to 50 employees, who goes above and beyond to ensure a happy and welcoming environment in the workplace.