Just like physical ailments, poor mental health can have devastating effects on our day to day life. It affects how we live, how we sleep, how we behave and how we work. And yet many of us are afraid to admit that we might be struggling. We keep a lid on it, keep our head down and keep quiet. Especially at work (despite many of us spending more time at work than we do with our loved ones!)
So what is mental health and what are its effects on the workplace?
Mental health is the emotional state in which we feel able to cope with the normal stresses of daily life. We are more productive, happier and able to work closely with other people when we feel good. We are more focused, patient and can concentrate for much longer period of times. A happier workplace is generally a healthier workplace – and it usually works both ways.
Research shows that in the UK over 12% of absence days reported every year are mental health related. It has been estimated that UK employers could save around £8 billion a year simply by improving their management of mental health at work.
So, what can you do about it?
As an employer, there are lots of ways to support, educate, empower and equip your people so that they have the skills to maintain good mental health and wellbeing, as well as enabling them to speak up if they are experiencing difficulties.
How happy and healthy is your workforce?
15 things to contemplate and consider.
- Are mental health and wellbeing included in your company core values? Commit to an approach that improves and protects mental health for everyone at all levels of the business.
- Who is responsible for mental health and wellbeing? Why not nominate champions in key positions to implement programmes and initiatives year-round?
- Encourage people to look after their own mental health and wellbeing – equip them with training and information so that they can recognise the signs of distress in themselves and others.
- Are your staff resilient? Try giving them access to coping strategies. Make mental health and wellbeing activities and exercise activities available to staff.
- How do you know what is needed? Why not conduct regular surveys with staff and collate data on health and wellbeing that can be used to shape future policies?
- Already do some stuff? Make sure you promote and celebrate the impact of existing schemes and the benefits of CSR activities to all staff through internal and external comms.
- Thou shalt not judge. Have an ‘open door’ policy and encourage disclosure. Promote a company culture where staff can be open about their problems and know they will not be judged.
- Are your staff fully trained? Ensure your line managers have access to the relevant training to support staff living with mental health issues.
- Do they have expert help? Ensure your line managers have access to the right support when line-managing people with mental health problems, including HR expertise and occupational health services.
- Every person matters. Recognise that all staff who have lived experience of mental health are an asset to your company.
- Consider setting up peer support groups or mentoring support programmes where people can share their experiences and learn from others.
- Include mental health in diversity and inclusion strategies and ensure that there are opportunities for people with mental health problems to join your workforce.
- Ensure that discrimination on the grounds of mental health is seen as unacceptable and encourage staff to report any discrimination or harassment that they experience / witness.
- Support national and local initiatives that raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing such as Mental Health Awareness Week, Time to Talk Day etc.
- Lead by example – look after your own mental health and wellbeing! Mental health does not discriminate by pay grade. It affects EVERYONE.
How many sick days have your employees had in the last 12 months? And how many were down to poor mental health?
Contact one of our team for help with absence management, health surveillance or access to one of our Occupational Health Practitioners. We can also help organise health promotions on-site or deliver training.
Call us on 01228 513687.