Mental Health @ Marsh

Mental Health @Marsh is a dedicated Colleague Resource Group that strives to make Marsh a happier and healthier workplace by creating awareness, providing support, and supplying resources to colleagues.

We achieve this by:

• Being inclusive for all, not just those that are manifesting as sick
• Encouraging personal ownership and personal responsibility for mental health
• Being visible to colleagues and being part of the firm's values
• Recognising diverse issues and concerns such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and family relationships
• Encouraging open and honest conversations between colleagues to help break down the stigmas.

Key achievements so far:

• Recognised by The British Insurance Awards, The Insurance Insider Honours, and Dive In Impact Awards for our Diversity & Inclusion contributions within Marsh.
• Led the initiative to train Mental Health First Aiders across the UK and Ireland as well as introducing pilot schemes for management awareness training.
• Signature events on specific topics, such as PTSD.
• The Breakfast Club: informal coffee shop discussions hosted by senior colleagues who openly talk about their own personal experiences.
• Webinars with external professionals on subjects such as managing anxiety, sleep clinics, and food and fitness.
• Lunch & Learn sessions where colleagues share their own experiences including OCD, sleep disorder and second-generation survivor guilt.
• Regular colleague led fitness sessions including yoga, running and tai chi.

Plans for the future

• We will continue to meet the evolving needs of our colleagues by providing confidential support and a platform to discuss their personal experiences.
• Expand our network of MHFAs across MMC in the UK.
• Explore relevant topics that adapt with us, in the new way of working: food, fitness, sleep, tech Lunch & Learns from external speakers
• Continue to collaborate with other CRGs and MH networks across the insurance market.

Colleagues speak about their reason for participation and the difference the group has made across Marsh:

"I wanted to participate so I could help people following my spell as a volunteer. We have made such a difference across Marsh with people now more willing to open up and share their stories and problems. I hear nothing but positive feedback."
— Justin Grant

"This group has supported me whilst I have been going through a very difficult time in my personal life. This made me want to give back to my colleagues, to use my experiences to support people where I can and to bring the topic of Mental Health out into the open by normalising and talking about issues that affect many people.
— Niki Haynes

"I joined because I want to help others in whatever situation they find themselves in. The group has made a huge difference to the company, individuals and we all connecting more."
— Victoria Harrison

"Mental Health both in the workplace and in general still seems to be an area that a lot of people are not comfortable discussing. As a Mental Health First Aider at Marsh my aim is to help demystify this and to help people feel more comfortable about asking for support when they feel they need it."
— Eric Alter

"To change the attitudes surrounding Mental Health in the work force, and provide accessible help to those in need."
— Leah Kalisky