Mental health success at GB Railfreight
Find out how senior leadership used the Railway Mental Health Charter to support their workforce.
Faye BaconStrategy Implementation Manager, RSSB
Rail staff have incredibly challenging work environments. For them to be happy, safe, and productive, it is essential that rail leaders prioritise mental health.
The Railway Mental Health Charter (RMHC) is a framework of five actions that promote, manage, and support workforce mental wellbeing. To date, 124 companies have signed it and are committed to taking action. These include train operating companies, freight operators, rolling stock companies, contractors, and infrastructure managers.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) signed the RMHC in 2021 and have since shared how following their action plan has made positive changes in their wellbeing culture.
At an all-staff briefing in 2022, their Business Development Director, Tim Hartley, changed the conversation. Hartley brought the company together to talk about mental health and took the brave step to share his own journey. In the open forum, members of staff were encouraged to ask him questions. ‘I genuinely hope that it helped to destigmatise the situation,’ said Hartley. ‘GBRf, over the last couple of years, has been proactive at that support, but people have to be able to put their hand up, as well.’
The briefing was one of their best attended, most rewatched. GBRf already offered health insurance, had wellbeing champions, and more. But from the attendance, comments, and heartfelt emails that followed, it was clear this openness from leadership made an impression.
‘The impact was huge,’ added Gemma Platt, GBRf’s HR Manager. She described a ripple effect, where managers feel more able to share their struggles and that they’ll be heard, and workers are more confident in setting boundaries around work-life balance. They return to work better rested and can perform at the best of their ability.
People look to leaders of businesses for guidance, support, and advice. … By enabling them, supporting them, and allowing them to be their whole true self, you’re letting them perform at a better level. For me, that’s what leadership is all about.
The RMHC was relaunched in May this year. The new version is streamlined and simplified, thanks for feedback from our members. If your rail company is committed to improving the mental health of your workforce, sign the Charter today and get a tailored action plan to support your workforce.
senior-level sponsorship or accountability and employee consultation
understanding your organisations
creating an open culture and addressing stigma
providing a healthy workplace
providing support.
Sign the Railway Mental Health Charter.
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