Lifting People, Not Just Lifts: My Journey with Elevator Repair Specialists and the Lift Mental Health Charter

When people think of the lift industry, they often picture engineers on site, tools in hand, keeping the world moving. What many don’t see is the team behind the scenes — the coordinators, marketers, administrators, and planners who keep things running smoothly.

I joined Elevator Repair Specialists (ERS) as part of the marketing team, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most supportive environments I’ve ever worked in. Over time, I’ve come to realise that ERS doesn’t just lift equipment — they lift people, too.

This became especially clear during my own personal journey with mental health and through the company’s involvement with the Lift Mental Health Charter.

Why the Lift Mental Health Charter Matters

The Lift Mental Health Charter was created to raise awareness of mental health in the lift and escalator industry — an industry where the pressures of safety, deadlines, and customer expectations can often take their toll.

It’s about recognising that wellbeing is just as important as performance, and that every person — whether in engineering, admin, or management — deserves to feel supported and valued.

For ERS, signing the Charter wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. It became part of the company’s culture and daily practice. And for me personally, it made a world of difference.

Finding Balance: How ERS Supported Me

When I started facing challenges with my mental health, I was worried about how it might affect my work. Like many people, I didn’t want to seem like I couldn’t handle things or risk being seen as less capable. But from the moment I opened up, I was met with understanding, compassion, and reassurance.

One of the first things ERS offered was flexible working hours. It gave me the space to look after myself without feeling guilty for taking time when I needed it. That flexibility allowed me to attend appointments, manage my workload at my own pace, and maintain a healthy balance between work and recovery.

It wasn’t just a scheduling adjustment — it was a message that my wellbeing mattered as much as my work.

A Culture of Conversation

What stood out most to me was how normal it became to talk about how I was doing. I didn’t have to bottle things up or pretend everything was fine. Managers checked in, not out of obligation, but out of genuine care.

Sometimes, it was as simple as sitting down to talk things through — no pressure, no judgement, just a space to be honest. That kind of emotional support is rare, and it showed me how much of a difference open communication can make in the workplace.

Knowing that I could be myself — even on the harder days — made me feel safe, respected, and truly part of the team.

Career Growth with Care

ERS didn’t just support me through difficult times; they also helped me look forward. Together, we talked about what I wanted from my career, what areas of marketing I wanted to grow in, and how I could develop my skills while still maintaining a healthy balance.

That encouragement helped me rebuild confidence. It reminded me that even when mental health challenges slow you down, they don’t define your future.

ERS gave me the opportunity to grow with the company — and to do so in a way that respected both my professional goals and personal wellbeing.

A Company That Practices What It Preaches

What makes ERS stand out is that this kind of support isn’t limited to one department or one person. The company genuinely lives the values of the Lift Mental Health Charter.

From senior management to site engineers, everyone is encouraged to look out for one another. The culture here is open, inclusive, and proactive — not reactive. It’s not about waiting until someone reaches breaking point; it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported from the start.

That’s something truly special in any industry, but especially in one as fast-moving and technical as ours.

The Power of Talking About It

Writing this blog wasn’t easy — it’s personal, and mental health is still something many of us find difficult to discuss. But I wanted to share my experience because it’s important that others in our industry know they’re not alone.

So many people face challenges silently, thinking they have to “just get on with it.” But the truth is, support exists — and workplaces like ERS are helping to change the conversation.

By being part of the Lift Mental Health Charter, ERS isn’t just talking about wellbeing — they’re acting on it. And that’s something I’m proud to be part of.

Lifting Each Other Up

What I’ve learned through this journey is that small gestures can make a big impact. A bit of flexibility, a listening ear, or a manager who checks in can completely change someone’s experience at work.

For me, those moments of understanding helped me rebuild my confidence, rediscover my passion for marketing, and find a sense of belonging.

ERS has shown that caring for mental health isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. When people feel supported, they do their best work. They stay motivated, loyal, and proud of what they contribute.

And in an industry built on lifting people up, that’s exactly how it should be.

Looking Ahead

Mental health awareness in the lift industry has come a long way, but there’s still more to do. That’s why initiatives like the Lift Mental Health Charter are so important — they keep the conversation alive and encourage companies to take meaningful action.

I’m proud to say that Elevator Repair Specialists are part of that movement. Their support has made a lasting difference to me personally, and I know it’s making a difference to others too.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just here to move people between floors — we’re here to lift each other up, one step at a time.