Perrys Employees Embrace Mental Health Support Initiatives
Written with artificial intelligence.
According to a recent survey, 75% of Perrys employees feel they have someone to turn to regarding mental health and wellbeing. This finding coincides with the launch of the company's Mental Wellness Champions network, which aims to foster a supportive workplace culture.
Employee Support and Engagement
Perrys, a car dealer group, has reported that three-quarters of its employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health with someone in the organization. This insight comes from the 2026 Employee Opinion Survey, released on the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The survey highlighted that four out of five top drivers of employee engagement were related to wellbeing, including flexible work options and the recently established Mental Wellness Champions network. Launched in March 2023, this initiative has over 50 trained volunteers who provide support and guidance across various dealerships.
Importance of Open Conversations
Denise Millard, the chief executive of Perrys, emphasized the significance of creating a culture where employees feel safe to share their mental health struggles. Rachael Millard, who oversees the mental health and wellbeing program, noted that the initiative was a response to observed stress levels and the reluctance of employees to seek help, particularly within a mainly male industry.
The Mental Wellness Champions aim to facilitate conversations rather than diagnose issues, creating a supportive space for employees to talk. The initiative also includes resources like the Take 10 program, which encourages employees to take time to discuss their wellbeing with a champion.
Broader Wellbeing Initiatives
Perrys' wider mental health program features webinars addressing various topics such as burnout and neurodiversity, in addition to management guidance and wellbeing policies. The company is committed to raising awareness and providing resources through partnerships with organizations like Mind and the automotive charity Ben.
Millard noted that increased dialogue among employees has become evident, with staff regularly checking in on one another. As the automotive industry can be particularly demanding, especially during peak sales periods, ensuring employees know about available support is crucial for their wellbeing.