Good month for the HSE... The Health Service Executive has launched PSYCHED, a new awards scheme designed to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace and reward workplaces that make the effort to promote better mental health and reduce work-related stress. Launched to coincide with World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, this scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland and will aim to make Cork the first mental health-promoting city. Daniel Flynn, the Principal Psychologist with the HSE in Cork, said that PSYCHED was "not just about the Apples and the Googles" but about every workplace, from sole traders to multinationals. "Where there is a good work environment and people feel supported, it leads to improved productivity and greater happiness." Bad month for Irish Rail... Today marks the second 24-hour strike by Irish rail workers seeking pay increases. Irish Rail workers are seeking a 3.75% pay increase to match increases recently given to Luas and Dublin Bus employees. Talks between unions and company management took place at the Workplace Relations Commission earlier in October, but an agreement could not be reached. Three further strike days are planned in November and December, costing the company an estimated €900,000 each day, and affecting commuters nationwide.
