Supporting Mental Health at Work: MorePeople's Commitment to a Healthier Workplace
At MorePeople, we believe that a successful workplace isn’t just about performance - it's about people. In our latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, host Andrew Fitzmaurice sat down with our very own Laurence Rayner to explore the topic of mental health in the workplace.
This conversation wasn’t about textbook solutions or clinical diagnoses. Instead, it was a candid look at how we, as a recruitment business, and more importantly, as a team try to spot the signs when someone might be struggling and create an environment where it's safe to speak up.
Why Mental Health Matters at Work
Work is a huge part of our lives. For many of us, we spend 80% of our time in the workplace. It's no surprise then that how we feel at work can seriously affect our overall wellbeing. Laurence, a trained Mental Health First Aider, shared how that training isn’t about becoming a therapist, it’s about being able to recognise signs, listen without judgment, and point people towards the help they might need.
“We’re not there to solve all the problems but we can be the first step in getting someone the right support.” – Laurence Rayner
Spotting the (Often Hidden) Signs
When it comes to mental health, the signs aren't always obvious. Sure, some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. But more often, it’s the quiet changes that matter: someone always being the first in and last out, changes in eating habits, withdrawing from social chats, or suddenly seeming fine all the time.
Laurence emphasised the importance of knowing what’s “normal” for each individual because everyone is different. And when things seem off, even slightly, that’s the moment to check in.
Creating a Culture Where It’s OK to Ask for Help
Our business runs on people; candidates, clients, and our own team. As recruiters, we naturally develop high emotional intelligence, which helps us connect with others. At MorePeople, we try to extend that same EQ inward, building a culture where everyone can be themselves at work.
We believe in authenticity, and we talk about it a lot. Why? Because when people are trying too hard to be someone they’re not, whether to hit a target or “fit in”, they burn out. That’s why we’re committed to letting our team be their true selves, with all the quirks, strengths and individuality that comes with that.
Mentoring, Buddies and Human Conversations
We’ve also rolled out a buddy system to help new starters find their feet, not just with training and tasks, but socially and emotionally. Having someone to talk to from Day 1 can make a big difference. We’re not just interested in what people do, but how they’re feeling while they do it.
Laurence also shared how powerful mentoring can be, not just as a career development tool, but as a way to connect, reflect, and even talk about the hard stuff.
“Mentors aren’t just there to tell you where the coffee machine is. They’re someone you can bounce off when you’re not sure if you’re doing OK.” – Laurence Rayner
Signposting Support: What’s Available?
Part of being a Mental Health First Aider is knowing what support is available. It’s not just about saying “Are you OK?” - it’s about knowing where to direct someone next.
At MorePeople, we make sure our team knows about:
Mental Health First Aid England: Training, resources and tools for individuals and businesses.
Private healthcare benefits: Support already available through the schemes we offer.
Charities like Mind, which provide advice, support lines and specialist help.
The NHS, with more digital and in-person options than ever before.
And most importantly, we encourage our people to use them. You don’t have to be in crisis to talk to someone. Sometimes, it’s just about keeping things on track.
