Theo Paphitis Retail Group, headquartered in Wimbledon Town Centre, is committed to raising awareness of mental health within their organisation. Recognising the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, they began training staff to act as ambassadors, who signpost and help support the 4,000 employees across the Robert Dyas, Ryman and Boux Avenue brands. Currently, there are around 32 mental health ambassadors from various departments who undergo a one-week course provided by the Retail Trust Charity. Employees throughout the organisation are invited to provide their input on wellbeing discussions and specify areas where they need support. Additionally, monthly newsletters are sent to employees, covering diverse topics such as menopause and eating disorders, often featuring personal stories shared by the ambassadors about their mental wellbeing and experiences.
We spoke with Janine Tanner, a Visual Merchandiser at Robert Dyas, and Mental Health Ambassador, who runs twice weekly lunchtime yoga classes and workshops for colleagues in Wimbledon. The company advocates mental health recovery and stimulation and encourages staff to take short breaks from their desks. The yoga classes run year round, held on the rooftop terrace with shutters down for privacy and protection from the elements, allowing employees to relax and meditate. They have been so popular that an additional class was added in the week.
Janine said:
It’s an amazing initiative and I love how people have embraced it.
Robert Dyas has also recently reintroduced their consumer-focused Plant & Pause campaign, championing the benefits of gardening for better mental health. In collaboration with gardening-for-health charity Thrive, this wellness initiative features tips and guidance for using outdoor space to improve your health. The campaign kicked off in April during Stress Awareness Month and runs until August. We attended the launch at their HQ, which also featured their new garden and outdoor collection. Janine led us through a guided meditation session that set the relaxed tone and left us ready for the day.
