Beyond Blue Monday - A Page on Purpose
January 23, 2025Posted by:
A Leader’s Guide to Helping People Find Their Way Forward
For professionals committed to making a difference, whether through leadership in HR, management, social impact roles or at board level, low mood season is a time rich with opportunity for connection and transformation. It's when talking about mental health is socially accepted, and when most of us can admit to feeling a bit down. It's part of why we made sure the first SRAG Summit of the year was in January - to create a shared, in real life start to a 2025 full of inspiration for growth.
A steady focus on mental health is needed. If nothing else, the concept of 'Blue Monday' is a reminder of the impact of mental health problems on society. According to Mind's 2024 mental health report, some aspects of public understanding of mental health have fallen back to 2009 levels.
Nurturing purpose is a powerful strategic choice - potent enough to reveal the impact of seemingly tiny positive changes, and universal enough to reach everyone.
At PeoplePlus, we deliver tailored support and opportunities, packed with small, meaningful actions that transform lives across our divisions. For employers, the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG) and the Social Recruitment Covenant (SRC) demonstrate that creating pathways to purpose benefit not only individuals but entire communities, while the shared glow of achievement and fresh perspectives transform corporate culture.
How Leaders Can Help
Focus on Purpose, Not Perfection:
- 2023 research from the American Psychiatric Association shows that a sense of purpose reduces stress and improves mental health. What does your corporate culture engender in your teams – are purpose and progress high on the list?
Open Pathways to Opportunity:
- Many people feel stuck because they don’t see viable options for growth or don’t feel part of something bigger than themselves. Creating structured access points like training programmes, inclusive hiring processes, mentorship opportunities, forums and champions all build a sense of purpose.
Lead with Empathy:
- Whether you’re a manager or mentor, the most impactful approach is to listen without judgement. People need to feel heard to build trust, which leads to the confidence to take steps forward – our movement relies on hearing what would really make a difference.
What We’ve Learned at PeoplePlus:
From frontline programmes supporting long-term unemployed individuals or in prison education to policy and boardroom-level advocacy for inclusive recruitment, our experience has shown that purpose is the most powerful antidote to stagnation. It’s not just about finding a job or gaining a skill - it’s about finding a path forward.
- Through SRAG, we’ve connected employers with partners who bring fresh perspectives to inclusivity, social recruitment and how they create social value. The SRAG has been described as a ‘pivotal’ partner to have in driving social purpose.
- The Social Recruitment Covenant has created a platform where policy makers fully appreciate the positive social impact of inclusive hiring and how one job at a time, with the right levers, employers can change society for the better, for everyone.
- The Social Recruitment Framework joins the dots between training providers, your vacancies and keen candidates, tackling both skills gaps and geographical challenges for business as previously ‘stuck’ people enter work.
Why This Matters:
Leaders are uniquely positioned to create environments where individuals can rediscover their potential. By building opportunities, offering clear pathways, and leading with empathy, you can multiply your impact as people at all levels turn being or feeling ‘stuck’ into measurable progress.
Purpose works. It’s what makes the most fulfilled individuals tick, and social value is the currency that accrues the kind of wealth that grows as it's shared.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I listening as much as I’m advising?
- What resources, programmes or pathways can I develop for those struggling to find direction?
- How can I advocate for purpose-driven opportunities within my organisation?
- How can I amplify the impact of our achievements and raise awareness of our purpose?
Interested in learning more about how PeoplePlus can help you to help your organisation make a big difference?
Reach out today to investigate your unique purpose.
Start Here – Sign the Social Recruitment Covenant
Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being
Forbes.com - ‘Blue Monday’: Will January 20 Be The Most Depressing Day Of The Year?
Psychology Today - The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life
Mind - The Big Mental Health Survey 2025
January 23, 2025Posted by:
