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The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has been championing better mental health in the fenestration industry since the ‘stark and emotional’ results of their Mental Health Survey were delivered earlier this year. The organisation has taken the first proactive step in helping to relieve stress and anxiety in the workplace, with the formation of a Self-care Toolkit, designed to support those working in the industry.
DGCOS Chief Exec, Faisal Hussain, explains more about the toolkit and why DGCOS felt so strongly about investing in it: “DGCOS is supporting our members at every stage of their installer journey. It is important to us to take positive steps to offer real solutions as part of that package, and this extends to the wider industry too.
“Our industry-first Glass and Glazing Mental Health Survey induced an outpouring of support and interest, and in some cases, installers sharing their own personal battles with us, and delivered stark and emotional results. It really showed the price we’re paying in terms of mental health as a sector following the challenges of the last few years. It’s been tough on everyone and it’s no wonder our mental health is suffering.
“The Self-care Toolkit is the first in a series of proactive steps DGCOS is taking to try and support those affected. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is practice self-care. Engaging in a self-care routine can reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more. It can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. This can be difficult in a work environment but taking time out and slowing down during the day, actually makes you more productive. Knowing where to start is a challenge though, so this is why launching a toolkit is the step we’re taking in our quest to support better mental health in our industry.
“The toolkit will provide installers with items to help practice self-care in their day-to-day life. It includes specially selected items like headphones so you can listen to music, podcasts, audio books or even mediation guides to help you relax during your break. We have also included therapeutic items to aid exercise, relaxation and sleep at the end of a busy day.
“It is a work in progress, and we are interested to hear what you’d like to see included in the toolkit that would help lower stress levels and ease tension during the course of your day. We will be sending out a sample selection to our staff to trial initially, before rolling out to our members. If however, you would like to be part of the trial, please get in touch with me directly: [email protected]