The mental health welfare and wellbeing of staff is being put at the top of the agenda by one leading property management firm.

Apropos – a bespoke online property management portal designed and built by Scottish firm DJ Alexander – is training 14 staff members as mental health first aiders to make sure its 180-strong team can access appropriate help if needed.

The company says it employs many young people, some of whom are in their first jobs, and it wants to ensure that they feel comfortable accessing the right help from appropriately trained staff within the firm.

The initiative is connected to the national ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ campaign, which aims to create workplace environments where mental health issues can be discussed as easily and sympathetically as physical health issues.

“Access to advice and support for any mental health issues is an essential element of appropriate employment practice,” David Alexander, joint managing partner of Apropos by DJ Alexander, commented.

“We must make sure that everyone feels comfortable at work and able to express themselves openly about any issues which arise and ensure they can easily and sympathetically access information, advice and support within the firm from someone who is approachable, trained and understanding of the needs of any individual.”

He said the ‘team of 14’ are being trained in March and are from as ‘wide a range of people within the firm as possible’ to ensure that everyone feels there is someone they can speak to if required.

“Making sure your staff are as happy and as cared for as possible are essential elements of the modern workplace,” Alexander added.

The firm has also recently been given ‘Investor in Young People’ accreditation, which recognises the firm’s recruitment, employment, promotion and development of young staff within the business.