Did you know, that in 2022/23, the Health & Safety Executive reported that roughly 875,000 workers were affected by work-related stress, depression, or anxiety? In that same period, our employment services helped over 3,400 people facing mental health challenges to stay in work, find employment, or access training, education, and volunteering opportunities.

With the help of our Employment Advisors, we have developed some guidance for organisations looking to create a mentally healthy workplace.

Foster a supportive culture

• Open communication: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, ensuring employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
• Stigma reduction: Challenge negative stereotypes associated with mental health conditions via training and policies.
• Inclusive policies: Promote a sense of belonging amongst colleagues by being inclusive of individuals with mental health conditions.
• Self-assessment and review: Regular gather employee feedback on their wellbeing and the impact on wellbeing of their work/workplace.

Provide supportive resources

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Implement a robust EAP offer that includes confidential counselling and support services for employees.
• Mental health awareness training: Provide training for managers and employees on recognising signs of mental health issues and offering appropriate support.
• Flexible work arrangements: Consider options like flexible hours, remote work, or reduced workloads to accommodate employees' needs.

Encourage a healthy work environment

• Stress management: Carry out training on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or exercise programs.
• Work-Life balance: Encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, avoiding excessive workload or burnout.
• Healthy lifestyle: Promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep.

Address workplace challenges

• Bullying and harassment: Develop clear policies and procedures to prevent and address bullying and harassment in the workplace.
• Workload management: Ensure workloads are reasonable and manageable, therefore avoiding excessive pressure.
• Conflict resolution: Provide training and resources for effective conflict resolution to minimise stress and tension amongst individuals.

If your organisation is interested in promoting a mentally healthy workplace, MHM provides a one-day Mental Health in the Workplace Course, designed to help you create a culture that supports staff to be open about mental health and wellbeing.

Find out more here