Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy
The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) was established by royal charter to advance the science and art of civil engineering surveying for the benefit of the public.
As a professional body, CICES is committed to the protection and promotion of the mental health and wellbeing of all staff and members. Mental health and wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Mental illness may be detrimental to a person, as it can impact quality of life, productivity and collaboration. The commitment and participation of staff and members is essential to creating a supportive, responsive and productive working environment that benefits everyone.
CICES will undertake activities and support staff and members in the following ways:
- Treat mental illness seriously.
- Identify issues proactively and resolve them.
- Support employees and members who face mental health problems.
- To build and maintain a workplace environment and culture that supports mental health and wellbeing and prevents discrimination (including bullying and harassment).
- To reduce stigma around depression and anxiety in the workplace.
- Support and contribute to providing a mentally healthy and supportive environment for all.
CICES staff and members have a responsibility to:
- Take reasonable care of their own mental health and wellbeing, including physical health.
- Take reasonable care that their actions do not affect the health and safety of other people in the workplace.
- Support and contribute to providing a mentally healthy and supportive environment for all.
Mental health issues in the workplace are any conditions that affect employees’ state of mind. These conditions may include mild depression, stress and severe anxiety which may result in burnout and nervous breakdowns. Substance abuse may also perpetuate mental health issues. Mental health problems manifest in different ways. Some staff and members may suffer with no physical side effects, while others may experience physical symptoms such as increased blood pressure, lethargy or changes in eating habits.
Staff and members may experience mental health issues for various reasons that CICES cannot control such as hereditary issues, family conflicts, general health or financial worries. To every extent possible, CICES aims to recognise and address cases of workplace pressures that contribute to mental health issues.
- Issues related to work, remuneration, job insecurity and work-life balance can heavily burden staff and members. In these cases, we encourage staff and members to speak to a mental health first aider in confidence about how to handle their individual situations better.
- It may be easier and more comfortable to reach out to a colleague instead of a mental health first aider. CICES encourages staff and members to support one another when needed.
- Wellbeing Wednesday: Staff are encouraged to take an extra hour off for lunch to support their mental health and wellbeing.
