Why We Keep Spreading Kindness /
It came to our attention that Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18-24 May 2020 and the theme is kindness, so we thought that would be a great idea for a blog post…!
As much as we enjoy talking about AEC industry related subjects, this month we are focusing on kindness, in line with the Mental Health Foundation's recent announcement. You may be wondering what this has to do with mechanical, electrical and public health building services design; the mental health of our team, especially during the past months, was and still is, a top priority. MEP Design believes in creating a lasting change to ensure all our employees feel looked after and comfortable within our working environment, or lately, remote working environment.
“Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health” - Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the MHF.
How does this translate into our engineering design workplace? For a start, MEP Design is focused on developing trusted relationships within our team and offers flexible working options to support a work and family lifestyle balance. We greatly believe that our employees will always carry out duties expected of them and deliver the results regardless of where they are based, or what hours they work (which has emphatically been proven over the past couple of months), so offering flexibility of working patterns only strengthens that bond.
Barry James, Managing Director of MEP Design - “I am aware that kindness can bring a sense of security and belonging, especially when in isolation, hence we all stayed connected and in close contact during the lockdown. Steve and I have actively encouraged regular breaks and prioritising family and household tasks”
MEP Design is also very relaxed when it comes to school holidays and childcare issues; and allows kids in the office. We are a child friendly office and the little ones can always find something to do. Our boardroom table converts to a pool table or table tennis table, large screens are perfect for watching cartoons and PlayStation, there's even a fish tank to entertain them. And when all that fails, William Holden is on hand with his guitar…. No one can resist that!
William’s entertainment hour – Aaron looks suitably impressed
Barry comments - “We don’t mind our staff bringing their children in during school holidays. It takes the stress away from organising last minute childcare and rushing around for drop offs and pickups. I totally get it, I have two children myself and no doubt they will become regular visitors when they are school age. I firmly believe we all need to be kind to each other and support one another, even when life creates obstacles”.
Steve Ravenscroft, Director at MEP Design - “I worked for many firms before who wouldn't dream of offering this level of support to staff. My sons come with me to the office when I encounter a childcare issue. Not only do they enjoy it, but I get to deliver projects instead of taking time off. Plus, it's a great way for them to see their Dad at work and get a feel for working life which will benefit them when they are older”.
Steve’s youngest in our Boardroom
Steve’s oldest being put to work, shredding and recycling
We are a team of engineers involved in complex technical work, being kind to our staff, as well as to everyone else, not only creates a positive environment and boosts confidence, but also deepens the relationships with our colleagues and clients.
It is probably fair to say that kindness is a strong value that comes across in everything we do. Now, more than ever, this is the time to keep practising what we believe in.
Great post, good to see you guys are treating the staff like responsible adults and not like children. Though some of your staff look like children but can't tell with kids these days anyway keep up the great work