In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated.
Employees’ mental wellbeing is not only a matter of individual concern but also a huge factor in overall organisational success. Work environments can have a huge impact on mental health, and equally, mental health can significantly affect performance, productivity and employee absence.
What are the challenges of mental health?
Stigma
Despite growing awareness, there is still a stigma associated with mental health issues in many workplaces. Employees often fear discrimination or judgment if they disclose their struggles.
Burnout
High levels of stress and heavy workloads can lead to burnout, a state of physical and mental exhaustion. Burnout reduces productivity and can be a major factor in employee turnover.
Reduced Productivity
Employees dealing with mental health issues are less productive as their focus and energy are compromised.
Lack of training
Many employers are uncertain about how to support employees facing mental health issues and managers often lack the training and experience needed to have conversations with team members who need support.
How to build a healthy work environment
Culture
Mental health awareness should be promoted across the workforce but open conversations about mental health at work can be difficult. Leaders need to be able to handle these conversations and should lead by example, sharing their own experiences or struggles when appropriate.
Mental Health Resources
Employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling, peer-to-peer support networks and mindfulness training are among some of the most common resources employers can offer employees. Employees need to be aware of the support you offer and how they can access them.
Training and support
Provide mental health awareness training for managers and employees to equip them with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of distress and offer appropriate support. Managers are often the first point of contact for employees who need support. If a team member discloses an issue, it’s essential that managers are able to talk with them about their needs.
Work organisation
Unmanageable workloads are a key cause of burnout and work-related stress. Review job descriptions (and what’s happening in reality) to ensure that expectations are clear and realistic.
Legal compliance
A mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on an individual’s ability to do normal daily activities is defined as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Under the Act, all employers have a duty not to directly and/or indirectly discriminate against anyone who has, is perceived to have, or is associated with someone that has, a protected characteristic e.g. a disability.
Contact our HR Consultants today
At Ashtons HR Consulting, we can offer the following support:
- advice and support on managing mental health issues at work including the legal obligations of employers
- training for managers on managing mental health, wellbeing and resilience
- information on how to support employees including the different types of support available and how to improve workplace culture
- assistance in the development and implementation of workplace policies concerning mental health.
Please do not hesitate to contact our specialist team by filling out our online enquiry form or by calling 0333 222 0989.