Making Mental Health Part of Everyday Conversation
About the organisation
Madeby.studio recognised that building mental health awareness is about more than providing information. The organisation wanted to create a workplace where conversations about mental health were normalised, leaders spoke openly about their own experiences and everyone understood that looking after mental wellbeing was part of everyday working life.
The Challenge
Few and Far understands the unique pressures of working in the creative industry. Tight deadlines, creative block and challenging client feedback can all affect people's wellbeing and confidence. The organisation recognised that creating a mentally healthy workplace required leaders to do more than encourage conversations, they needed to demonstrate through their own actions that mental health mattered.
Approach in practice
Madeby.studio believes that mental health awareness starts with leadership. Co-founders Sam and Matt openly share their own experiences of depression and anxiety, demonstrating that conversations about mental health are welcomed rather than avoided. As Sam explains, "By leading as an example, you are making it clear that it's OK to talk about mental health at work." Their own experiences have shaped the organisation's policies and approach, helping to create an empathetic culture where people feel supported without fear of judgement.
This commitment is introduced from day one. During induction, every team member is told that their mental health and wellbeing is a priority for the organisation. Rather than relying on one-off awareness campaigns, Madeby.studio reinforces this message through regular monthly wellbeing check-ins, quarterly face-to-face conversations and ongoing opportunities for open discussion throughout the year.
The organisation also recognises that people's experiences of mental health are not all the same. By taking an intersectional approach and acknowledging that people from marginalised communities may experience additional challenges, Madeby.studio encourages inclusive conversations about mental health while ensuring everyone knows support is available if they need it. Informal monthly team socials further help create opportunities for colleagues to connect, making conversations about wellbeing feel natural and part of everyday working life rather than something reserved for formal meetings.
Impact and learning
Madeby.studio has found that making mental health part of everyday conversation has helped create a culture where openness, empathy and support are normal rather than exceptional. By reinforcing awareness through leadership, regular conversations and everyday practice, mental health has become embedded within the organisation's culture rather than treated as a standalone initiative.
Key takeaway for other employers
Mental health awareness is most effective when it becomes part of everyday working life rather than a one-off campaign. Regular conversations, visible leadership and creating opportunities for people to talk openly help build understanding, encourage open conversations and make mental health everyone's business.