Not only do employers have a duty of care to support their employee’s health, safety, and wellbeing, but those who take proactive steps to promote good mental health are more likely to retain staff, reduce sickness absence and increase productivity.
See below for our top tips on how to better manage mental health in the workplace:
- Spot the Signs
Be on the lookout for employees showing signs of stress or anxiety. Although employers should not advise on a mental health issue, picking up on symptoms early can help prevent further issues down the line. Encourage your employees to speak up if they are struggling, and work with them to resolve any work-related issues that may be contributing to poor mental health.
- Signpost
If an employee is suffering from poor mental health, make sure your line managers know where to refer them for help and support, for example, their GP or occupational health.
Do you provide an Employee Assistance Programme or free counselling? Make sure your employees are aware of the services you offer and how to take full advantage of them to improve their health and wellbeing.
- Train and Support Your Managers
Poor management style is one of the most common causes of work-related stress. Providing training and support to improve management behaviours can help to reduce and prevent stress in the workplace. This in turn lowers the risk of more common mental health conditions developing, such as anxiety and depression.
- Increase Awareness
Do you have a mental health and wellbeing policy? Do your employees know how stress can develop into more serious mental health conditions?
Making your employees aware of the importance of good mental health can reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace and cultivate an environment in which individuals feel safe to voice concerns.
- Promote Work-Life Balance
An appropriate balance between work and personal life is vital in making sure your employees remain motivated and productive. Repeatedly long working hours are not sustainable and can contribute to employees feeling stressed, anxious, and exhausted.
Ensure from day one that all employees have a manageable workload, are aware of the importance of taking breaks, and are encouraged to take annual leave at regular intervals throughout the year.
If an employee is struggling with poor mental health, why not also talk to them about flexible or hybrid working options?
Remember – be proactive, not just reactive. The more you do to maintain good mental health in the workplace, the more your employees and your business will benefit. For more information and help please get in touch, drop us an email at hello@hrrevolution.co.uk.
