During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Business Design Centre highlights the wellbeing initiatives available to staff year round, from Mental Health First Aiders and fitness activities to relaxation sessions and digital wellbeing resources.
Mental Health First Aiders
Over half of the BDC team is trained and certified as Mental Health First Aiders, offering confidential support to colleagues who may feel in need of help or support.
We encourage all staff to approach our mental health first aiders at any time, whether their concerns are personal or otherwise.
Wellbeing activities for body and mind
Weekly lunchtime yoga classes
Each week, senior yoga instructor Katrina Kurdy hosts free lunchtime yoga sessions for BDC staff. Regular yoga practice has a number of physical and mental benefits, including:
- Stress relief
- Improved mental health and sleeping patterns
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased strength, focus and productivity
The sessions also help with developing greater awareness of breathing patterns, helping staff feel more grounded and energised for the rest of the day.
Leanne, Purchase Ledger Manager at the Business Design Centre, comments: “Having a weekly lunchtime yoga session allows me to step away from the screen and take a minute to relax and reset my mind.”
Run club
Organised by BDC’s Security Supervisor, Ed Muboro, the Rub Club is a popular weekly activity for both staff and tenants. Taking place every Wednesday, rain or shine, the group enjoys a relaxed, social run along the local canal.
There is no running experience needed to join: the club is open to all abilities, and you can run as far or as little as you feel comfortable. Running supports both mental and physical health, releasing endorphins that boost mood and wellbeing – plus, getting outside during the day is always a bonus.
Our Marketing Executive Cully is a run club regular, “Having a club that goes on weekly runs is brilliant, it is so nice to get outside in the middle of the day and it is a great opportunity to get to know other people from the BDC community.”
Green spaces in Islington
Located in beautiful Angel, Islington, the Business Design Centre is surrounded by wonderful green spaces:
Our team is encouraged to make the most of these surroundings by stepping away from their desks at lunchtime ‒ whether that’s to head out for a run with our weekly run club, enjoy a walk, or simply spend time outdoors.
Workplace relaxation initiatives
Chair massages
One of the most popular wellbeing initiatives at the BDC is our quarterly chair massage sessions, delivered by Suzi at The Vital Touch. Staff who sign up enjoy 20 minutes of focused relaxation, helping to reduce stress and relieve any back, neck and shoulder aches.
BDC team member, Renay, says, “I love that we get offered the massages, it is the best 25 minutes I get to spend on myself out the office. I always come out feeling so relaxed and refreshed.”
Sound bath sessions
Another staff favourite! Our bi-annual sound bath sessions offer staff a chance to completely switch off and focus on themselves.
Sound baths are therapeutic auditory meditations utilising the enchanted frequencies of the gong, crystal singing bowls and koshi chimes. BDC team member Nanthini described the experience: “It was such a fantastic experience. It was my first sound bath, and I left feeling incredibly refreshed and relaxed. I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
Subscriptions and resources
BDC staff also have access to a range of digital wellbeing resources, including an annual subscription to Calm or Headspace, both offering mindfulness tools and guided meditation.
In addition, the team can also access 24/7 support from two different health specialist organisations that provide mental health care and guidance.
Supporting mental wellbeing at BDC
Mental Health Awareness Week is an important reminder, but at the Business Design Centre, supporting mental wellbeing is a continuous priority. Through practical initiatives and accessible support, we’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported and connected.
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