Volvo Construction Equipment

The challenge

Following a heavily subscribed Suicide Awareness event and subsequent feedback, it was clear to the senior team at Volvo Construction Equipment that there was a gap in their knowledge and understanding of mental health in the workplace, and a real need from their employees for more support and training.

They began to look for an organisation with a flexible and adaptable approach to Mental Health training to ensure the needs of everyone within the business were met.

The payback was almost instant, and the productivity gains are lasting.

Paul Douglas, VP Volvo Construction Equipment & MD Rokbak Trucks

The solution

Headtorch developed a bespoke programme to tackle mental health across all levels within the business.

There were three elements aimed at different levels:

• Senior leaders – Headtorch XI
• Line managers – Headtorch Aware
• Shop floor – Headway

A key part of the process was the line manager learning & development – a structured programme including a fictional case study brought to life by an actor.

This results in managers who are proactive and confident when it comes to workplace mental health and wellbeing.

All the programmes are designed to ensure delegates take away practical tools they can start using immediately.

Most importantly, the whole workforce is engaged in mental health. Everyone knows that it’s OK not to be OK, the whole team is there to listen and support.

Paul Douglas, VP Volvo Construction Equipment & MD Rokbak Trucks

The programme was a huge success. Almost everybody in the organisation is comfortable with mental health now and it’s engrained in the Volvo culture.

Paul Douglas, VP Volvo Construction Equipment & MD Rokbak Trucks