We Mean It: Supporting Mental Health, One Step at a Time

Mental Health Awareness Week is here, and at IT Desk, we want to take a moment to talk about something that matters deeply to us—not just this week, but every day: mental wellbeing in the workplace.

According to Mind, one in six workers experiences a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, or stress at any one time. And yet, too often, conversations around mental health are hushed, delayed, or dismissed altogether. That’s not the kind of culture we want to be part of—and it’s not the kind of workplace we’re building.

This post isn’t about PR. It’s about being real. About showing the ways we’re actively working to support mental health in our team, with tools and initiatives designed to meet people where they are.

Making It Easier to Check In—or Opt Out

One of the most exciting tools we’ve rolled out recently is the Busy Tag system. It’s a simple, visible way for employees to communicate both their work status and their emotional state—without needing to say a word.

Each person has a Busy Tag on their desk featuring a small screen that displays their current work mode, and an LED light that signals their mood. So if someone’s feeling low, in deep work mode, or simply not up for small talk, their Busy Tag speaks for them. And when someone’s up for a chat? That’s clear, too.

💡 Mood Indicator Colours:

• 🔴 Red – Low in mood

• 🟡 Yellow – Low in energy

• 🟢 Green – Positive mood

• 🔵 Light Blue – Neutral

• 🔷 Dark Blue – Hangover

• 🌸 Pink – Overwhelmed

• 🟠 Orange – Feeling unwell

🖥️ Work Status Tags:

• Busy – Heads down, deep in work, and minimising interruptions

• Project Focus / Editing in Progress – Please don’t interrupt

• In a Meeting / Training / OOO – Not available for interruptions

• Long Break – Not around right now for interruptions

• WFH – Working from home and available

• Let’s Talk – Open to a chat

“It might sound small, but the Busy Tag has honestly helped me set better boundaries. On days when I’m feeling off, I don’t have to explain myself—I just set it to red and focus on getting through. And when I’m feeling sociable, it shows that too.” — IT Desk Team Member

These subtle cues have made a big difference—encouraging empathy, reducing misread signals, and helping people navigate the day with a little more comfort and respect.

Real People, Real Support: Our Mental Health Officers

Alongside the Busy Tag, we’re proud to have two trained Mental Health Officers in our team. These aren’t just titles—they’re real people who’ve taken time out of their roles to complete mental health training and are ready to support others confidentially and without judgement.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, dealing with stress, or just want someone to talk to, they’re a safe and friendly first step toward getting support.

Therapy Shouldn’t Be a Luxury

Source: Spill

We’ve also partnered with Spill, a third-party platform offering free therapy sessions, fully covered by IT Desk.

Here’s the key thing: we never see what’s discussed. Privacy is 100% respected. The only insight we have is how often Spill is used from a financial point of view—nothing more.

Everyone’s journey is different, and mental health looks different from person to person. Spill ensures that anyone who wants professional support has easy, discreet access—no hoops to jump through, no stigma attached.

“Having access to Spill has been a game changer. I probably wouldn’t have reached out for therapy on my own, but knowing it’s there, free and easy to book, made it feel much more approachable. It’s helped me stay grounded, even during busy or stressful periods.” — IT Desk Team Member

Why All This Matters

Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It affects how we think, feel, work, connect, and live. It’s not something we only talk about when there’s a campaign or awareness week—it’s part of the everyday culture we’re trying to nurture.

“We’re not just focused on what people deliver—we care about how they’re doing while they’re doing it. Supporting mental health is simply the right thing to do.” — Vicki Harper, Marketing Manager

At IT Desk, we’re not perfect, and we’re not done. But we’re committed. We’re listening, learning, and putting people first—because when our team is supported, everything else gets stronger too.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we hope you take a moment to check in with yourself, check in with each other, and remember:

To everyone in our team: thanks for being human. Thanks for supporting each other. And most of all, thanks for making space—for the good days, the off days, and everything in between.

Support lines:

Mind: Call Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234. This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Their advisors are trained to listen and help you find specialist support if needed. They are open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)

Samaritans: Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org. They also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call them on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).

Switchboard: If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

NHS 111: You can contact NHS 111 any time to access support for your health. To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select option 2.