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Making Mental Health Support Visible

A Mindful Employer Charter Signatory, the Leeds Marriott Hotel is a city centre hotel committed to delivering excellent customer service by putting people first. Recognising that colleague wellbeing is fundamental to delivering excellent customer service, the hotel has embedded mental health and wellbeing into its approach to supporting colleagues.

The Challenge

Leeds Marriott Hotel recognised that providing wellbeing support is only effective if colleagues know what support is available, feel confident accessing it and trust that they will be listened to without judgement. The organisation wanted to create an environment where conversations about mental health were open, support was clearly communicated and colleagues felt safe asking for help.

Approach in practice

Leeds Marriott Hotel communicates its commitment to mental health through a robust wellbeing strategy that keeps support, information and conversations visible throughout the organisation. Central to this is the hotel's Bee Informed Corner, where colleagues can access information on a wide range of wellbeing topics, including mental health, financial wellbeing, menopause, Employee Assistance Programme support and local services.

The organisation also promotes monthly wellbeing activities and regularly shares resources to help colleagues understand the support available to them.

Communication is supported by a strong culture of openness. The hotel operates an open-door policy, encouraging colleagues to approach anyone within the organisation without fear of repercussions if they need support or guidance. This is reinforced by a supportive leadership team and Mental Health First Aiders who help colleagues access the right support when they need it. Leeds Marriott also shares its learning beyond the organisation, delivering menopause awareness workshops for other hotels and businesses and contributing to the Leeds Mindful Employer Network.

Impact and learning

Leeds Marriott Hotel's experience demonstrates that making mental health information visible and easy to access helps create a workplace where colleagues feel safe, supported and informed. By making wellbeing information easy to access, encouraging open conversations and regularly promoting the support available, the organisation has embedded mental health into everyday working life. This approach is supported by high colleague engagement, low labour turnover, low absence levels and strong opportunities for internal progression and development.

Key takeaway for other employers

Clear communication helps turn wellbeing support into something people can genuinely access and use. Making information visible, encouraging open conversations and regularly promoting available support can help build trust, reduce stigma and ensure colleagues know where to turn when they need help.

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In Focus
Task
Communicate clearly to support mental health at work