Mental health awareness is paramount to any organisation. Statistics show that 1 in 6 workers are dealing with a mental health condition which can impact performance, morale, and absenteeism rates.
Employers have a duty of care to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of their employees.
Below are 5 practical ways to support employees suffering with their mental health:
1. Implement a Mental Health Policy
Outline clearly how employees can raise concerns about their mental health and how managers need to respond and support these.
2. Designate Time Out spaces
Encourage regular breaks by creating designated areas where employees can go for a bit of personal space and enjoy a lunch break away from their desks. If you are unable to create this sort of area, still try to encourage employees to take a break from the phones and screens. A great suggestion is simply going for a walk, especially for those working from home.
3. Embrace Flexibility
Recognise that some employees may require workplace adjustments to help manage their mental health. Offer options such as flexible working, remote working, quieter workspaces or shorter, more regular breaks. The key here is to understand what the employee needs and how the employer can accommodate them.
4. Offer Training and Workshops
Educating the whole workforce on the importance of mental health will create an open culture and start to dismantle associated stigmas. Workshops are a great way to upskill the workforce to create a better understanding of mental health and help guide employees to further external support.
Promoting events such as Mental Health Awareness Week (13th -19th May 2024) can increase awareness, and engagement. This year’s initiative, set up by the Mental Health Foundation is ‘Wear it Green Day” on Thursday 16th May which you could also incorporate into your workplace. Other campaign’s this year include Mind’s “No Mind left behind”.
5. Appoint a Mental Health First Aider
Invest in training for Mental Health First Aiders who serve as the primary point of contact for employees struggling with their mental health. Whilst they can identify early warning signs and deal with an emergency situation, they are not therapists or counsellors so cannot give advice.
Make sure everyone is aware of who the Mental Health First Aiders are in your organisation and that their contact details are regularly updated.
AHR Consultants can provide a certified Mental Health First Aid training course. Click here for more information.
If you have questions on how to support mental health awareness in your organisation, call us on 0345 076 2288 or complete the below form: