The Value of Discussing Mental Health in the Workplace

Radoslaw Kasprzycki, Digital Marketing Intern at Enterprise, spoke to myGwork about the support resources available at the company and the impact they have had on him. He also discussed the culture of inclusion at Enterprise, giving unique advice to those who are considering a career path there.

Thanks for chatting to us! Please tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a student at the University of Central Lancashire studying Marketing and I’m currently on my placement year as a Digital Marketing Intern for Enterprise, where I moved from my university town of Preston, Lancashire to Enterprise’s European Head Office in Egham, Surrey. 

At university, as well as studying, I sought to find opportunities that would help me gain experience and skills for my future career. I volunteered as marketing support for the university’s student-run radio broadcast and film society. During that period, I was also fortunate to get a position as a Welcome Team Member and later I became a Student Ambassador for my course.

When I was looking at placement opportunities, I checked the website and social media channels of each company I considered applying for. With Enterprise, I was impressed by how many resources they provide for students, these ranged from tips on ‘university life’ to employability advice. There were many webinars, articles and motivational stories that were available publicly. I felt that if I spent my placement year with this company, I would have lots of opportunities and support during and after my internship, so I applied.

Can you describe the support resources available at your organization?

From the research that I had conducted it should have been obvious, but the thing that surprised me the most is how supportive everyone has been at Enterprise. I never had a time where I felt left on my own and couldn’t ask for help. Every time I needed help with anything, even if I hadn’t talked to that specific person before, I could reach out and they were ready to answer all my questions. It feels great to have a support network, which I think sometimes is taken for granted.

Something that stood out to me was the active role Enterprise takes in discussing mental health in the workplace and providing support and advice on the subject. It’s easy to respond with “I’m fine, thank you” when someone asks how you are, but it takes courage to ask for help. We should celebrate workplace cultures where coworkers are able to talk about their well-being freely.

Why do you think it’s important to discuss mental health in the workplace?

"Speaking actively about mental health in a workplace is extremely important, as it normalizes the idea of reaching out to a Mental Health First Aider, it creates a safe space to talk about things that you might worry about, and it creates opportunities to give feedback." 

At Enterprise this is achieved through active reminders, talks, and cultivating a culture of mutual uplifting in the workspace. It is difficult to create this working environment, but it’s worth it when there is a line of trust and mutual respect built.

How would you describe the inclusive culture at Enterprise?

I would describe the culture at Enterprise as welcoming and supportive of personal growth. Everyone here is always ready to discuss improvements and develop new skills. It’s great to work in a place that wants to see you perform your best and gives you good resources and feedback to achieve it.

"Enterprise is an inclusive workspace, no matter your country of origin, language, culture, sexuality, gender or beliefs – Enterprise will welcome and value them all. With so many committees dedicated to educating people on diversity, equity and inclusion, I believe that Enterprise has created something special." 

What advice do you have for those considering a career at Enterprise?

Apply sooner rather than later. I know how easy it is to procrastinate when searching for a new role, especially when you start doubting yourself. I know so many students that started applying right at the end of their second year. The truth is that you don’t know if you will get the job until you try.

Enterprise values your potential; it doesn’t matter if you don’t have all the skills required; you can learn them on the job. The worst thing that can happen is that your application is rejected, but you can grow from that too – just ask the simple question “Do you have any feedback that could assist me with future applications” and I’m sure you will learn something you can improve on. And this isn’t exclusive to students, everyone at all stages in their career can learn something new from these experiences.