PPMs and Mental Health: A Parallel Worth Exploring

In the realm of maintenance, there’s a principle that serves as the backbone of smooth operations: Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPMs). 

Whether you’re managing a small building or an industrial plant, PPMs are essential to keeping systems running efficiently, preventing costly breakdowns and extending the life of equipment. For those unfamiliar with the term, PPMs refer to tasks that are scheduled at regular intervals such as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, 6 monthly or annually.

These tasks can range from the straightforward, like daily equipment checks (known as “plant room checks” in the engineering world), to the more specialised, such as annual fire suppression testing. The common thread is the proactive nature of these activities. The aim of PPMs is not just to “fix” problems but to anticipate and prevent them from arising in the first place.

This stands in contrast to reactive jobs, which are the emergency calls that arise from unexpected failures like water leaks, electrical faults, broken machinery. Reactive maintenance is all about putting out fires (sometimes literally) and while it will always have a place, the goal is to minimise its frequency.

As someone who spent 14 years as an electrician, I saw firsthand the importance of this balance between preventive and reactive approaches. When I transitioned to founding Onward Shift, a mental health hub supporting the construction industry, I began to notice a striking parallel between these principles of maintenance and the way we approach mental health.

Here’s what I’ve learned and why it matters.

The Case for Proactive Mental Health Care

Let’s consider an everyday example from the world of electrical work.

Imagine you’re walking past a fuse board and hear a faint buzzing sound. It’s subtle, almost insignificant something that could easily be brushed off.

On Day 1, you might think, “It’s nothing major; I’ll get to it later.” 

On Day 2, you think the same. 

By Day 3, the buzzing might be louder, but there are other priorities demanding your attention. 

Then, by Day 4, that faint buzz has escalated into a fire. 

Now, instead of addressing a manageable issue, you’re dealing with a full blown crisis that requires emergency intervention, repair and cleanup.

This scenario is all too common not just in maintenance but in life.

When it comes to mental health, many of us are guilty of ignoring the “buzzing sounds” in our minds and bodies. Maybe we’re feeling unusually stressed, having trouble sleeping, or noticing a dip in our energy levels but rather than addressing these warning signs, we push them aside, telling ourselves we’ll deal with them later. The problem is, just like that buzzing fuse board, untreated mental health issues rarely resolve themselves. Left unchecked, they escalate sometimes into burnout, anxiety disorders, or other serious challenges.

The Mental Health Maintenance Gap

Why is it that we’re so diligent about preventive maintenance for our machines but so reactive when it comes to our mental health?

One reason is visibility. When a machine breaks down, the consequences are immediate and tangible: halted production, financial losses and possibly even safety risks. In contrast, the early signs of mental health struggles like fatigue, irritability, withdrawal are often subtle and easy to dismiss.

Another reason is stigma. In many workplaces and cultures, there’s still a lingering reluctance to talk openly about mental health. While we wouldn’t hesitate to report a leaky pipe, admitting to feeling overwhelmed or anxious can feel vulnerable, even risky.

Finally, there’s the misconception that mental health care is only for crises. Just as some people adhere to the outdated belief that “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” many view therapy, coaching or mental health training as something to turn to only when things are at their worst.

Introducing PPMHS: Planned Preventive Mental Health Support

At Onward Shift, we’re on a mission to change this narrative. Inspired by the principles of PPMs, we’ve developed a concept we call Planned Preventive Mental Health Support (PPMHS).

The idea is simple: just as we schedule regular maintenance checks for machines and systems, we can implement proactive measures to maintain our mental health. These measures are designed to identify and address small issues before they escalate, creating a culture of resilience and well-being.

Here’s how PPMHS works in practice:

1. Awareness and Education

• PPM Equivalent: Training engineers to recognise signs of wear and tear in equipment.
• Mental Health Application: Raising awareness about the early signs of mental health struggles and normalising conversations around them.

Awareness is the cornerstone of prevention. When people understand the basics of mental health such as what it looks like, why it matters and how it can be supported they’re more likely to recognise when something is off. This applies not just to individuals but to teams and organisations.

For example, a manager trained in mental health awareness might notice that an employee who’s usually engaged and outgoing has become withdrawn and quiet. Rather than waiting for a performance issue to arise, the manager can check in early, offering support and resources if needed.

2. Regular Check-Ins

• PPM Equivalent: Conducting daily plant room checks to monitor equipment performance.
• Mental Health Application: Scheduling regular check-ins with yourself, your team or a mental health professional.

In maintenance, daily checks are quick, routine tasks that ensure everything is running as it should. Similarly, regular mental health check-ins can be simple yet impactful.

For individuals, this might mean taking five minutes each day to reflect on your emotions, stress levels and energy. For teams, it could mean incorporating mental health questions into one-on-one meetings or team surveys.

The goal is to create a habit of reflection and openness, making it easier to catch and address issues early.

3. Preventive Practices

• PPM Equivalent: Cleaning filters, replacing worn parts and conducting performance tests before issues arise.
• Mental Health Application: Building resilience through habits and activities that promote well-being.

Preventive mental health practices can take many forms, depending on individual needs and preferences. Some common examples include:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
• Physical Activity: Exercise as a proven mood booster and stress reliever.
• Social Connections: Prioritising relationships that provide support and a sense of belonging.
• Work-Life Balance: Setting boundaries to prevent burnout.

These practices aren’t just for people in crisis they’re for everyone, every day.

4. Building a Support System

• PPM Equivalent: Having backup systems or redundancy plans for critical equipment.
• Mental Health Application: Creating an environment where support is accessible and stigma free.

No one should have to face mental health challenges alone. A strong support system whether it’s friends, family, colleagues or professionals can make all the difference.

For organisations, this might mean offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), training mental health first aiders or creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help.

Reactive Jobs: A Necessary Reality

While PPMs aim to minimise reactive jobs, they don’t eliminate them entirely. The same is true for mental health. No matter how proactive we are, life will throw curveballs, loss, trauma, unexpected stressors and these moments require reactive care.

What PPMHS does is ensure that when reactive care is needed, we’re better equipped to handle it. By laying a foundation of awareness, resilience and support, we can respond to crises more effectively, with less long-term impact.

Why This Matters for Organisations

The benefits of PPMHS aren’t limited to individuals. For businesses and organisations, adopting a proactive approach to mental health can lead to:

• Increased Productivity: A mentally healthy workforce is more engaged, creative and focused.
• Reduced Absence: Preventive care can address issues before they result in burnout or sick days.
• Improved Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with organisations that prioritise their well-being.
• Stronger Reputation: Companies known for their mental health initiatives attract top talent and foster loyalty.

Taking the First Step

At Onward Shift, we’re here to help individuals and organisations implement PPMHS. From workshops and training to personalised support plans, we provide the tools and resources needed to create a culture of mental health maintenance.

It’s time to stop ignoring the buzzing fuse boards in our lives. With PPMHS, we can catch small issues before they escalate, ensuring smoother operations not just for machines, but for our minds!

Let’s work together to make mental health maintenance as routine and essential as any other form of care.