20 Oct. 2023: To say that we are living in truly challenging times can feel like an understatement.

The types of pressure and stress felt by people working in the paper sector are no different to those impacting people across the country. We are all experiencing challenges: the ongoing cost of living crisis; uncertainty about the future; and daily reminders of complex and distressing global factors beyond our control. This is also coupled with workplace challenges specific to the paper industry, which has undergone rapid, seismic changes over the last few years, including the pandemic-related acceleration in an overall shift from print to online; the growth of new technology; and increasing environmental considerations.

Against such a disorientating and uncertain backdrop, it’s easy to feel concerned about what’s happening around us. That’s why it’s really encouraging to see workplace wellbeing moving further up employers’ agendas. The CIPD found that four in five organisations have an increased focus on employees’ mental health, while a third increased wellbeing budgets post-pandemic. However, 79% of employers surveyed reported stress-related absence in their organisation over the past 12 months, which proves the importance of a continued focus here. And this data could be underestimating reality, too, as a recent study from Nuffield Health showed that 35% of UK employees had called in sick due to poor mental health, but gave another reason.

Building a workplace environment where people feel safe talking about mental health is key. The more people share what they’re doing to support employee mental wellbeing, and the difference that commitment makes, the less taboo the subject will become. We’ve heard some fantastic examples of how organisations provide space for these conversations. This includes physical space, such as dedicated rooms and staff gardens for people to relax and talk about their wellbeing; and space in the working day, through initiatives such as wellbeing ‘lunch & learns’ and all-company time out to participate in wellbeing activities such as mindfulness and even reflexology.

However, every organisation has to start somewhere, and knowing where and how to do this, in a way that’s appropriate to their organisation, can be daunting. This is where the Printing Charity helpline can come in. The helpline provides ready-to-go access to emotional and practical support for all employees, and it’s free to all organisations in the paper industry. The whole launch and roll-out process, from printed materials to advice on how to engage with employees, is supplied by the charity’s relationship managers. And we know that the helpline makes a difference to organisations big and small.

Paragon HR Business Partner and Wellbeing Lead Kim Hill explains: “The helpline provides our team with straightforward access to invaluable resources such as counselling, which we as an organisation can’t provide.”

“We’ve got a mental health first aider, but if the team don’t want to talk to someone in the company, then they can contact the helpline. It fits really well,” says Graham Hunstone, Managing Director of Visual Print & Design. “It’s allowed people to be a bit more open, a bit more free to talk about things.”

Estimates from the CPI show that around 162,000 people work either directly, or indirectly, in the paper industry. The Printing Charity’s services aim to be there for everyone who needs them. Please contact the charity on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01293 542 820 to discuss how we can introduce your employees to the helpline and the practical, emotional and financial support it offers.