Arnold Clark – Finalist 2024, Best for Mental Health & Wellbeing, sponsored by ILF Scotland
Arnold Clark are exceptional, not just in their tackling of the taboo around mental health, but they strive to be an industry-leader by creating an environment where mental health is understood and next-level support is on offer.
An industry-leading approach
Arnold Clark recognise that the automobile industry is behind the curve and so have consciously decided to move in another direction. They have invested in training 400 people to become Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring each branch has its own first aider, and provide continuous support to this role. They have also trained all staff in their People Team in mental health and suicide first aid so they can be an effective first port of call and ensure employees are signposted to the most appropriate resources. In the past year, the team received 709 calls about wellbeing and mental health, demonstrating that the team is approachable and both managers and employees know where to go to access support. The commitment to health and wellbeing permeates the organisation at all levels, with directors and senior management setting an influential example, ensuring that it is at the top of the agenda, and that all employees are given the appropriate level of support.
The right tools
An internal wellbeing platform provides a wealth of resources and digestible content that addresses body, mind, finances, and home. This resource encourages conversation, helps identify potential warning signs and offers guidance and signposting. Arnold Clark works closely with wellbeing
partners to provide expert counselling, advice and support, including mental, physical and financial wellbeing support from automotive charity Ben, private healthcare, exercise and physical activity guidance and nutrition advice, and support for carers through Care Concierge.
Challenging stigma
Arnold Clark understand the need to break down stigma around men’s mental health in a male-dominated industry, and are taking steps to create an environment where everyone feels able to speak to their manager or People Team without fear and know that they will be treated with dignity, confidentiality and care. Mandatory mental health training has been completed by over 99.1% of managers and non-mandatory mental health awareness training has been completed by 63% of employees throughout the business. Training is supported by regular communications to management and employees as well as softer content promoting the benefits of completing this training.
