‘My Whole Self’ As a Day of celebration

As an organisation that champions mental health and wellbeing for its staff, foster carers and children, the My Whole Self campaign sits as a day of celebration and acknowledgement for TACT – rather than a call to arms to instigate significant internal change. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the culture that already exists across our organisation and to celebrate the values that underpin the work we do every day. This commitment is reflected in external recognition too: TACT have consistently won awards and recognitions from Best Companies, such as ranking 2nd for the Best Charity to work for in the UK*, and 11th in the Best Mid-Sized Company to Work For*

A commitment to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is not a ‘tick box’ exercise; it cannot be achieved simply with a few meetings, a single email, or an internal link to a policy. It is an organisational culture choice that requires a thoughtful, integrated approach – led from the senior leadership team and embedded across every level of the organisation. When leadership genuinely prioritises wellbeing and demonstrates this through actions as well as words, it sets the tone for the entire workforce.

Ultimately, creating a mentally healthy workplace is an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off initiative. Campaigns such as My Whole Self offer an important moment to pause, celebrate progress and remind ourselves why this work matters. But the real impact lies in the ongoing daily choices we make to prioritise openness, inclusion and support. When these values and approaches are embedded in our culture, they benefit not only staff, but also the fostering households we support.

What is psychological safety?

MHFA England define psychological safety within a workplace as:

• Colleagues that listen without judgement
• Leaders model openness and vulnerability
• People feel safe to admit mistakes, ask questions, and challenge ideas
• All voices are encouraged to contribute

In other words, it’s creating an environment where staff feel heard, respected and supported. It’s about eliminating toxic workplace practices and behaviours such as blame cultures and micromanagement – and instead encouraging accountability as a positive learning opportunity.

If we feel safe and supported at work, we can truly thrive – confident in the knowledge that our voices matter, our contributions are valued, and we have the freedom to grow, collaborate, and bring our best selves to everything we do.

How TACT support their workforce

TACT have put in place a number of offerings for their staff that reinforce a working commitment to wellbeing, including:

• Pass The Praise: a system where staff can nominate those who have delivered exceptional work, in line with the charity’s values. Staff can also nominate foster carers for recognition.
• Weekly online wellbeing sessions: lead by external professionals, staff are encouraged to join sessions on subjects ranging from physical and mental health through to financial wellbeing.
• Work/life balance: a committed approach to flexible working, which includes an optional ‘9-day fortnight’ option.
• Trauma-informed training: an organisation-wide initiative that focuses on how past or ongoing trauma can affect people’s wellbeing and performance at work.
• Menopause support: as a menopause-friendly workplace, TACT provides support such as covering the cost of a one-off consultation with a qualified menopause clinician.
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders: TACT’s team of trained MHFA staff are available to provide support when required.
  
  

The Benefits of a Supported Workforce

Phrases such as “a happy workforce is a productive workforce” may sound like a cliché, but when organisations fully commit to the mental health and wellbeing of their staff, it can have a profound impact on productivity, performance, engagement and retention.

When employees feel safe, valued and supported, they are more likely to bring their full energy and creativity to their roles. A positive workplace culture encourages collaboration, open communication and trust between colleagues and leadership. This not only strengthens working relationships but also creates an environment where people feel confident sharing ideas, raising concerns and contributing to improvement.

Supporting staff wellbeing also plays a key role in reducing stress and burnout. Workplaces that prioritise mental health through supportive management, flexible policies and wellbeing initiatives, help employees manage challenges more effectively. As a result, staff are more resilient, focused and motivated in their work.

Organisations that invest in their people often see benefits beyond day-to-day productivity. Employees who feel supported are more likely to remain loyal to their organisation, reducing turnover and the costs associated with recruitment and training. A strong reputation as a caring employer can also help attract talented individuals who are looking for workplaces that value wellbeing as much as performance.

Ultimately, when organisations create environments where people feel respected, heard and supported, everyone benefits. Staff are able to thrive in their roles, and organisations gain a committed, engaged workforce capable of delivering meaningful and sustainable success.

Read more about how TACT supports the wellbeing of our foster carers and young people.

*Awarded in 2025