WordPress is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS), powering 30.7% of the top 10 million websites globally (at time of print). The project is supported by a global community of individuals and businesses. In 2017 the ONS liststed 64,000 web design and development professionals in the UK alone. The US BLS lists 266,300 web professionals.
With an increase from 2016 to 2017 of 26,000 people registering as self-employed in the UK and the fast pace of the distributed workforce gaining popularity for companies of all sizes, the Work From Home (WFH) style of working is now commonplace. Whilst the WFH model can offer individuals flexibility, greater freedoms and allow companies to hire without discriminating based on location, it also presents new challenges and responsibilities for both the individual and the employing company.
The WordPress community is made up of freelancers, consultants, web developers, designers, agencies and many more, using the WFH model. Without the traditional interaction with co-workers and colleagues, the WFH model has the potential to impact the individual negatively from a mental health perspective.
Following a WP&UP survey; 64% stated they felt “mental health” was an area they wanted additional support within. With this change in working structure, we are now seeing an increase in those within the global WordPress community openly admitting that they are suffering with mental health issues caused by isolation.
WP&UP recognises the challenges, not only with trying to run your own business, but also with all the related activities that can cause an individual to develop serious mental health issues, such as anxiety and panic disorders, depression, psychotic disorders and schizophrenia to name a few.
Through in-person events, training, mentorship, support services and coaching WP&UP tackles these issues through our four Health Hubs: Code Health, Business Health, Physical Health and Mental Health. All equally important to support a well-balanced member of the WordPress community.