With the total suicide rate in the UK estimated at 6,507 and the rate of deaths amongst under 25s increasing by 23.7% it’s surprising that mental health can still be a workplace taboo. Mental ill health costs UK employers £30 billion every year through lost production, recruitment and absence and with many employees still finding it difficult to speak to their employer, it’s time for us all to open up a little more.. 

This year we have seen an increased awareness around mental health in the workplace which has been helped by some famous faces such as Prince William who, in an interview with the BBC earlier this year, said that “bosses need to set the example”, saying the change in culture “has to come from the top”. October is Mental Health Awareness month and on 10th October it’s World Mental Health Day so, if you’re not already doing so, now is a great time to focus on Mental Health awareness in your business. 

Where can employers start when it comes to tackling the Mental Health in the work place? 

When considering the strategy in your business, we recommend that you do the following: 

1. Make sure that you understand what ‘mental health’ means and address any misconceptions that you might have. This will mean that you are better placed to address any issues that do arise in your business. 
2. Commit to improving mental health in your business including simple things like promoting a good work-life balance. Take it a step further and include a statement in your employee handbook on Health and Wellbeing, outlining your approach and what support you offer to employees. 
3. Train your managers to be able to have conversations with employees about sensitive issues like mental health. Ensure that they know how to signpost individuals on where to get support from and that they know what warning signs to look out for (such as a sudden dip in performance). Remember that unlike many physical illnesses and disabilities, mental health illness is not often visible and so can be harder to identify. 
4. Provide training to employees on some key areas which can contribute to stress in the workplace such as time management training to ensure employees know how to manage their time effectively and don’t become overloaded. 
5. Have a structured 1-2-1 process which ensures that managers and employees are meeting regularly to discuss work priorities and employee well-being. 
6. Offer quiet work spaces to your employees. Often working on a busy, open floor when you have a project deadline can leave employees feeling anxious as well as frustrated. Have a ‘pod’ or area that employees can go when they need to crack on with a task without being interrupted and, if you can’t offer this, consider offering some flexibility and allow employees to work from home when required. 
7. Run regular employee surveys which include a focus on health and wellbeing so that you can identify key trends and to show that you take the health and wellbeing of your employees seriously. 
8. It goes without saying but you should have a zero tolerance when it comes to bullying in the workplace (a top factor causing workplace stress). Lead by example and ensure that your own behaviours are those that you would expect of your employees and most importantly, deal with any issues immediately and thoroughly. 
9. Make employees feel valued! This is one of the most simple things you can put in place to increase your employees well-being. We all know that there’s nothing worse than slogging your guts out and working all hours only to feel that it’s not appreciated. Take time each day to thank your employees and help to turn stress into satisfaction.

Simply put, promoting positive mental health in the workplace can be hugely beneficial for your business. Employees with good mental health are more likely to perform well, have good attendance levels and be engaged. It’s important to remember that it is often a combination of factors which will impact on your employee’s mental health (both at work and home) and you may not be able to help address all of the issues. Taking a much more holistic approach to managing employee mental health is what is needed.   

If you’re not already planning to do so, please take the time in October to talk to your employees about their mental health and offer support where you are able to. For help creating your Health and Wellbeing strategy, contact us today for an initial conversation.