In this episode of the Wellbeing Talk Podcast, I’m joined by Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, to explore the powerful connection between inclusion and mental health in the workplace.
We discuss:
* How inclusive environments impact LGBTQ+ employees’ mental health
* Practical data and policies that move senior leaders to act
* Supporting LGBTQ+ employees when public discourse turns hostile
* Low‑cost, high‑impact actions employers can implement now
Founded in 1989, Stonewall has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights—from repealing Section 28 and equalising the age of consent, to lifting the ban on military service. Today, their mission remains clear: ensuring everyone, everywhere enjoys equal rights.
Learn more about Stonewall’s Proud Employers programme:
Discover how organisations can advance their inclusion journey through Stonewall’s Proud Employers programme—a leading initiative that helps employers build workplaces where LGBTQ+ staff and allies can thrive.
Stonewall’s Proud Employers initiative supports organisations in building inclusive workplaces, offering access to expert resources, peer networks, consultancy, benchmarking, and accreditation. As Simon Blake puts it, inclusion is not just a moral imperative—it’s good business too.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/inclusive-workplaces/proud-employers
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⏱️ Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
01:27 Simon’s Background
11:38 Parallels between MHFA and Stonewall
17:07 How do Inclusive Environments Affect mental Health
21:38 Workplace Policies That Support LGBTQ+ Mental Health
27:24 Culture Shifts That Improve Mental Health at Work
30:50 Trust and Transparency in Workplace Wellbeing
34:52 How Managers can Lead on Inclusion with Confidence
37:22 What Should Organisations Do When Public Discourse Turns Hostile?
41:47 What Legal Shifts Are Needed for Inclusive Workplaces?
43:16 How Do Overlapping Identities Impact Mental Health?
45:19 What Data Most Influences Senior Leaders on Inclusion?
47:32 Low-Cost Actions that Improve LGBTQ+ Mental Health at Work?
49:28 What’s the Future of LGBTQ+ Wellbeing at Work?
50:48 Outro
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🔔 If you’re interested in how to have more compassionate and constructive conversations about mental health - both in and outside of the workplace, don’t forget to subscribe to the @letsgowellbeing YouTube channel.
