Magenta Security Services has launched a programme to provide mental health and general well-being support to staff.
As a long-standing champion of ethical behaviour, human rights, and social responsibility, Magenta takes mental health seriously.
Free services
Partnering with a care and metal heath consultancy, an employee assistance solutions provider, the security firm is offering an array of free services to staff members.
These include one-to-one counseling sessions and practical advice sessions on a range of matters from debt and finance to relationships and general anxiety.
Mental health issues
With mental health issues originally exacerbated by the pandemic and by the current cost of living crisis
With mental health issues originally exacerbated by the pandemic and by the current cost of living crisis, mental health provisions for staff are vital.
But, as Abbey Petkar, Magenta’s Managing Director explains, mental health awareness and support are vital, particularly in the security sector, "I cannot express how strongly I feel that managers and directors within the security sector have responsibility for the lives of our dedicated workforce of professional guards and other team members."
Cultural stigma and ethnic diversity
Abbey Petkar adds, "The ethnic diversity of our workforce comes with its challenges when providing mental health support."
He continues, "Speaking from experience amongst our team, BAME men — who make up a large proportion of our workforce — are both less likely to open up about their mental health issues due to cultural stigma, as well as being more likely to encounter barriers when trying to access support. This is why we’ve launched an internal support programme."
Addressing mental health challenges
Abbey Petkar stated, "For the BAME men of Magenta Security, and anyone else reluctant to seek help, we also encourage them to speak to their most direct colleagues, with whom they often feel more comfortable."
He adds, "What we never want is for anyone to feel isolated, so we regularly reassure staff that we will always respond with kindness and understanding if they come forward about their mental health challenges."
Staff wellbeing
Magenta made clear its stance on fair pay after speaking out about the prevalence of modern-day slavery
This isn’t the first time Magenta has demonstrated its commitment to staff wellbeing. In 2020, Magenta made clear its stance on fair pay after speaking out about the prevalence of modern-day slavery in the security sector.
Abbey Petkar explained that “Magenta lost tenders against low-cost security providers that charge workers out at less than £10 an hour," which he believes is commercially unsustainable.
Staff turnover
As such, Magenta uses the London living wage as a baseline with additional rewards for long-term or exceptional employees and offers career-progressing training programmes.
As a result of these policies, the business has seen a staff turnover of just 11% (the industry average being 30%).
Work-life balance
The company also strives to promote a healthy work-life balance. "The security industry is notorious for long shifts and low pay, compounding mental health issues by depriving security officers of the free time they need to recoup and connect with loved ones," explains Abbey Petkar.
He continues, "We make sure we work closely with individual security officers to fit their shifts around their commitments. We also keep commuting times down by ensuring staff sites are close to home."
Security Minds Matter
Security Minds Matter is a campaign to improve the mental health and well-being of security professionals
Magenta Security is involved in Security Minds Matter, a campaign to improve the mental health and well-being of security professionals, especially those on the frontline.
The campaign is supported by the SIA and will engage with industry stakeholders and mental health professionals to deliver projects with tangible outcomes.
Mental health awareness and support
Abbey Petkar also uses his position on the Advisory Board of IFPO to advocate for greater support and awareness for mental health and well-being in the security industry.
He says, "We owe it to the people who give their time and energy to look after others to look after them as well. If we don’t, the industry will never attract and retain the talent it needs."
