The Benefits Cloud guide to supporting mental health in the workplace

Now more than ever, employees are searching for workplaces that take an active role in providing resources and services that improve the mental health of their teams.

It’s no surprise, really – 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue of some kind each year, and finding support can be difficult and expensive for a huge majority.

As organisations increasingly recognise the impact of employee wellbeing on productivity and overall success, many are implementing initiatives to support mental health, a lifeline for those who otherwise struggle to access such services.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the topic of supporting mental health in the workplace and provide practical strategies for improvement.

The Importance of Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Unsurprisingly, the mental health of employees directly impacts their productivity and levels of engagement.

What is surprising is how much of an impact mental health can have on teams and businesses when it is not acknowledged. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

This is likely because poor mental health very often leads to increased absenteeism, reduced work quality, and higher turnover rates.

Recent studies show that 1 in 6 workers experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression at any given time. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, and more recently, the cost of living crisis has caused many in the UK to struggle with stress, depression, and anxiety as they attempt to manage despite steep cost increases in nearly every aspect of life.

By making mental health support and resources accessible and aiding employees when they are struggling, you’ll have not only a happier and healthier workplace but a more productive and profitable business as well.

Practical Strategies For Improving Mental Health in the Workplace

Want us to let you in on a big mistake that we see many businesses make?

They will take in this information and do a brilliant job of telling their teams that their mental health matters and that there will be space for them if they feel that talking to somebody will help them.

This is great; however, there is one key thing missing – action.

The only way to truly, effectively improve your team’s wellbeing and create a workplace that prioritises their mental health is by actually taking the steps to make SURE that mental health support and resources are available and prioritised, from your company policy to your workplace culture.

Step 1: Talk to Your Team

Open communication is the foundation of a mentally healthy workplace. Encourage your team to discuss their mental health openly and without fear of stigma. Listen to them and understand where you could strengthen the support you offer your employees.

Furthermore, train managers and other leadership to recognise signs of mental health issues and to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, perhaps by holding or attending a workshop on workplace mental health.

By creating a safe space for dialogue, you’ll foster trust and make it easier for employees to seek help when needed.

Step 2: Implement Mental Health Initiatives

Introduce Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to provide confidential counselling and support services.

You could also consider offering mental health days and flexible working hours to allow employees to manage their own wellbeing effectively. These initiatives demonstrate your commitment to mental health and provide practical support for employees when they need it most.

Step 3: Offer Access to Mental Health Resources

Provide access to counselling services, either in person or through telehealth options.

You could also organise workshops and seminars on stress management and resilience to equip your team with valuable coping skills. By offering these resources, you’re empowering employees to take control of their mental health and providing them with tools for long-term wellbeing.

Step 4: Promote Work-Life Balance 

Encourage regular breaks and time off to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. It is unfortunately very common for employees to feel pressured to work overtime or be made to feel guilty for using their holidays.

This tends to make employees less productive, as they will feel less engaged and happy at work and will miss out on essential rest that everybody needs to feel refreshed and ready to work.

By promoting a healthy work-life balance, you’ll help employees manage stress and maintain their mental health, leading to increased job satisfaction and performance.

Step 5: Regularly Assess Workplace Mental Health

Once you have created your mental health policies and initiatives, it is important to keep checking that these are actually helping your team.

Conduct staff wellbeing surveys to gauge the effectiveness of your mental health initiatives and identify areas for improvement. Monitor and review mental health policies to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

Regular assessment allows you to adapt your approach as needed and demonstrates your ongoing commitment to employee mental health.

Step 6: Foster a Sense of Community

Organise team-building activities to strengthen relationships and create a supportive work environment. Establish peer support groups where employees can share experiences and offer mutual support.

Building a strong sense of community can combat feelings of isolation and provide a valuable support network for employees facing mental health challenges.

Wellbeing Ideas for Working from Home

Remote work has helped employees in many ways, allowing them to work in a comfortable environment and avoid the usual stressful commutes that many dread!

However, remote work does present its own set of challenges, such as isolation and difficulty separating work and personal life.

To address these, consider:

  • Planning regular check-ins with your remote employees so they have the opportunity to talk to someone if they need to or have any issues they would like to raise.
  • Help them create a healthy work-life balance: you could encourage your team to eat lunch in a different room to the room they’ve been working in or to go on a walk straight after work has finished to allow them to decompress and ‘switch off’.
  • Build community – hold virtual team-building and social events, celebrate birthdays, and select an effective communication platform to allow your team to stay connected. Remote working can sometimes feel quite isolating, so it is important to build community amongst your employees.

Conclusion

Supporting mental health in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for businesses.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, organisations can create a more supportive, productive, and engaged workforce.

Remember, mental health support should be an ongoing commitment, not a one-time initiative!

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