Why We’re Surveying Manchester on Mental Health at Work

By Joanne Grobbelaar

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “It’s still OK not to be OK.” It’s a phrase that’s opened up a world of necessary conversations about mental health, and for that, it’s been incredibly powerful. But at the Wellbeing Committee, we’ve been asking a deeper question, what comes next?

It’s one thing to give permission to not be OK, but it’s another entirely to create a workplace where that feeling is met with genuine understanding and practical, meaningful support.

This is the very essence of our work, and as we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, we’re proud to announce a foundational project we believe will make a real difference, a comprehensive survey of the Manchester business community.

Building a Foundation, Not a Buzzword

The modern workplace is rapidly evolving, and so are the conversations around mental health. We’ve noticed a significant shift in how different generations approach wellbeing. Younger generations often enter the workforce expecting open conversations and robust support systems, viewing mental health as an integral part of their overall well-being. Conversely, older generations may have been raised in environments where these topics were simply not discussed, leading to a more reserved approach. This creates a critical generational gap that organisations must navigate with care and intention.

Our survey is designed to capture this nuance.

It’s the first step in creating a data-driven benchmark, a snapshot of our community’s collective mindset. By gathering this data, we can move past assumptions and anecdotes to create real, actionable insights. We’re not just collecting numbers; we’re creating a foundation that the Wellbeing Committee can build on for years to come, designing interventions that are truly effective and affordable for every organisation, regardless of size or industry.

The Future is Now, AI and Anonymity

On our next Wellbeing event, we’re also be exploring the pros and cons of using AI for anonymous mental health support. Can an algorithm provide a safe, judgment-free space for employees to talk? What are the implications for privacy and trust? This is a crucial conversation we believe needs to happen now, as these tools become more prevalent in our daily lives.

Bringing It All Together with The Panel Discussion

This survey isn’t the end of the conversation, it’s the beginning. The data we collect will be a living document that guides our future initiatives, and we’ll bring it all to life at our panel event.

Our panel for “It’s still OK not to be OK.” event will dive deep into the very topics we’re surveying. The conversation will focus on the tangible pros and cons of using AI and anonymous support in mental health.

We’ll explore the real-world implications, the potential for bridging generational gaps, and the strategies for implementing these tools thoughtfully. This discussion is about moving from theory to practice, and we’re excited to have this incredible group leading the way.

Next Steps Complete the Survey Today

To make this vision a reality, we need your voice. We need your perspective.

Please take a few moments to complete our survey and share it with your colleagues across the Manchester business community.

Complete the Survey and Be a Part of the Change

We look forward to sharing our initial findings and continuing this vital conversation at our upcoming event on October 8th.