Communicating Commitment Through Visible Action
About the organisation
Based in Yorkshire and working with clients across the UK and overseas, Fonemedia prides itself on being values-driven, with its people at the heart of everything it does. Recognising that communication plays a vital role in creating a mentally healthy workplace, Fonemedia has focused on making conversations about mental health open, visible and part of everyday working life.
The Challenge
In the wake of the pandemic, Fonemedia took time to listen to employees and better understand the challenges they were experiencing. The business recognised that supporting mental health required more than introducing new initiatives. It wanted colleagues to know that wellbeing was a genuine organisational priority, feel confident talking openly about mental health and understand what support was available.
Approach in action
Fonemedia began by listening to employees and using their feedback to shape its approach. From there, the organisation introduced practical steps including promoting open conversations, training additional Mental Health First Aiders and offering regular wellbeing sessions. Rather than relying on one-off campaigns, the focus was on creating a supportive culture where conversations about mental health became a normal part of everyday working life.
Signing the Mindful Employer Charter became an important opportunity to reinforce this commitment. Working with the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, Fonemedia brought colleagues together for a dedicated mental health workshop, creating space to talk openly about mental health, raise awareness of available support and demonstrate that wellbeing was a shared organisational priority.
The organisation has continued to build on this approach through initiatives such as Tea & Talk sessions, regular wellbeing activities and sharing learning from Leeds Mindful Employer Network events with colleagues. For example, after attending a Network webinar on talking about money and mental health, the team held an internal session to continue the conversation and raise awareness across the business. By creating regular opportunities to learn, reflect and talk together,
Fonemedia has helped ensure mental health remains visible throughout the year rather than becoming the focus of occasional campaigns.
Impact and learning
Fonemedia has created a culture where colleagues know it is okay not to be okay and feel able to access support without fear of judgement. Through regular conversations, visible leadership commitment and continued investment in learning, mental health has become a normal part of workplace dialogue, helping colleagues feel valued, listened to and supported.
The organisation has learned that communication is most effective when it is reinforced through action. Creating opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and continue conversations over time has helped strengthen trust and demonstrate that employee wellbeing is a genuine organisational priority.
Key takeaway for other employers
Communicating clearly about mental health is about more than sharing information.
Creating regular opportunities for meaningful conversations, reinforcing available support and demonstrating your commitment through visible actions can help build trust and create a culture where people feel safe to speak openly about their mental health.