Are you experiencing loneliness working from home? Dorset MIND can help
Dorset MIND's new 'Minds Together' initiative will keep workers connected
A mental health charity in Dorset is launching a new initiative aimed at remote and hybrid workers who experience loneliness in the workplace (otherwise known as their home).
Dorset MIND are working with their partners to offer remote and hybrid workers a number of "team bonding" activities, ranging from fitness classes to cooking workshops.
A spokesperson for Dorset MIND, Dee Swinton said: “It's to help deal with loneliness that people face at work, because I think we all miss those watercooler moments and just being with people again.”
The idea came from the MIND team noticing that some companies are still operating the same way they were during the pandemic.
Dee said: “In lockdown interaction was taken away from us and we're still seeing the aftereffects because workplaces have not gone back the same.”
Although, remote and hybrid working gives employee’s extra flexibility, Dorset MIND believe staff have far less human contact, which in turn impacts their wellbeing.
Dee said: “I think making connections with your colleagues is so important because we spend a lot of time at work, so it's important that we can have these open and honest conversations with the people that we work with.”
With this new “Mind’s Together” initiative, colleagues who may have only ever interacted via Teams or Zoom calls will be able to take part in fun activities together.
The activities include unique exercise classes at R1SE Bournemouth, climbing walls and ‘Leaps of Faith’ with Rock Reef, a cooking workshop with Layla Gordon and lastly, surf, yoga and cold-water sessions with Resurface.
Ty Temel, co-founder of R1SE Bournemouth, said: “We are proud to partner with Dorset Mind to offer our gym as a safe and uplifting environment as we know regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.”
Sarah Hunter, Rock Reef Marketing Director, added: “As hybrid working has led to people spending more time alone, this is the perfect opportunity for teams to socialize, have fun, and connect outside of the work environment.”
All the services are communication and encouragement based which Dee believes “really helps staff open up and be honest with each other.”
She said: “Once you share that experience, it does help with team bonding, and it also gives you a better understanding of your colleagues.”
Linda O’Sullivan, CEO of Dorset Mind, added “Employees have a duty to look after their employees’ wellbeing.
The hybrid way of working comes at a cost to social inclusion – so what better way to boost your team’s morale than enjoying a team-building day.”
For information about booking packages, prices and availability, contact Dorset Mind by email at: partnerships@dorsetmind.uk.