Centralis Group (Centralis) has signed the Mindful Business Charter, joining a wide range of businesses and professional service firms around the worldin a collective commitment to address the avoidable stresses in our working practices,to promote healthier and more effective waysof working. The Charter brings organisations and their service providers together to reach a shared agenda for mental health and wellbeing.

At an event marking World Mental Health Day, Centralis will pledge its commitment to abide by a set of principles centred on openness and respect for each other, improved communication, respect for working hours and considerate delegation of tasks.

In the midst of all of the upheaval and change brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mindful Business Charter continues to provide organisations and individuals with the framework, permission and challenge to dare to be different and to work together across the business community to rehumanise the workplace. Its focus on creating an open and respectful culture and dialogue seeks to ensure that whatever the broader context in which we are being required to work, how we work and how we interact with each other should be thoughtful, mindful, and shaped as far as possible to eliminate unnecessary stress so that we can work both more effectively and more healthily – so that we can all thrive.

“As a company, we have a responsibility for our staff wellbeing. Becoming a signatory of the MBC helps us put in place a framework where employees’ mental health is considered as important as a successful business deal. Being mindful and respectful of colleagues, clients and contacts will for sure make us a better business partner.”

Derek O’Reilly, Director, Centralis Group

Mary Peterson, chair of the trustees and Head of Talent and Learning at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, one of the founders of MBC, said: “The last 18months have been challenging for many businesses, with employees grappling with a new concept of ‘living at work’ and a lack of boundaries. As such, the MBC, with its focus on reducing avoidable stress and helping to maintain boundaries to promote better wellbeing, is more relevant than ever. In that context it is laudable that Centralis has demonstrated its public commitment to healthier working practices and positive change by joining our growing group of signatories.”

The MBC has the support of mental health charity Mind, the City Mental Health Alliance, the International Bar Association, the Law Societies of England and Wales and of Scotland and Singapore, LawCare, the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and the Lord Mayor of London’s Appeal.