The managing director of a UK tech company has given all staff the day off  on Thursday 13th May, encouraging them to have some time away from the desk and  get outdoors to enjoy nature.  

Managing director of Hable, Sean O’Shea, said he hopes the staff will take the  opportunity to enjoy the day off and spend time away from screens, prioritising self-care and mental health.  

It comes as the UK recognises Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the  Mental Health Foundation from 10th–16th May. This year, the theme for the  week is ‘Nature’, after it was recognised as being one of the key coping strategies for people while we were in lockdown.  

‘It’s really important to me that our people are happy and healthy – both at  work and outside of it,’ says Sean O’Shea, aged 40, who has been open with the  teams across Hable about his own mental health issues. ‘I have found getting  outside really beneficial – it’s been a big thing for me. I often have walking  meetings and I encourage everyone across the business to do the same.’

‘When I saw that the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was Nature, it  seemed like a fantastic opportunity to really show everyone at Hable how much  we care about their well-being. I’m really looking forward to hearing how  everyone spends their day off, and am going to enjoy getting out myself with  my family.’

Mark Reynolds, who works alongside Sean as the Founder and CEO of Hable,  also highlighted the importance of ensuring his staff look after their mental  health in a year that has been incredibly challenging for many of us. 

‘It’s been a really difficult time for everyone. Mental health is such an  important topic right now,’ says Mark, who is immensely proud of the open,  honest culture that has been created at Hable. ‘I hope more companies across the country are treating the mental health of their staff as a real top priority.’