Mental health issues in the workplace are common. Data published in November 2023 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that:
- Of the 1.8 million people with work-related illnesses in 2022–23, nearly half had stress, depression, or anxiety from their jobs.1
- These conditions were responsible for the loss of 18mn working days during the period.2
- According to research, mental illness costs business £101bn a year.3
Employer responsibilities
As an employer, you play a key role in promoting mental health and supporting staff with mental health issues. You have a ‘duty of care'. This means you must take reasonable steps to support your employees’ mental health, safety, and wellbeing.4
Including:
- making sure employees can work safely and healthily;
- protecting employees from discrimination, such as ensuring reasonable adjustments for disabled staff;
- and carrying out risk assessments.
Introducing a mental health first aider in the workplace is a proactive step. They play a critical role in recognising signs of poor mental health and providing necessary support.
The HSE has recently published a revised version of L74: First Aid at Work: The Health and Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981. This updated guidance now includes considerations for mental health. In its release, the HSE highlighted that the update emphasises employers’ responsibilities. It states that employers must "take account of employees’ mental health in their first aid needs assessment."5
How to create a mentally healthy workplace
1. Recognise the signs
Mental health issues can show up in many ways in the workplace and include a broad spectrum of conditions. Including changes in behaviour, mood swings, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. Train select staff to recognise these signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately to:
- support mental health;
- reduce stigma;
- and enhance workplace wellness.
2. Identify and assess mental health risks
Conduct risk assessments to identify potential mental health hazards in the workplace. This may involve:
- evaluating workloads;
- organisational culture;
- and the impact of job demands on employees' mental wellbeing.
3. Destigmatise mental health
Create a culture where mental health is openly discussed to reduce stigma. Employees should feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. Training sessions and workshops can raise awareness and normalise conversations about mental health.
Addressing mental ill health is essential. It highlights the importance of destigmatising conditions. Ranging from stress and anxiety to more severe issues. These severe issues include self-harm, depression, psychosis, and thoughts of suicide.
4. Provide supportive resources
Ensure employees can access resources such as:
- counselling services;
- employee assistance programs (EAPs);
- and mental health hotlines.
Having readily available support can significantly help manage mental health crises.
5. Train mental health first aiders
Like physical first aiders, having designated mental health first aiders in the workplace can be invaluable. Mental health first aiders are trained to offer initial support to individuals in a mental health crisis and to direct them toward professional help. Ensure select employees undergo comprehensive aid training to become proficient mental health first-aiders.
6. Promote positive work-life balance
Promoting a positive work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout and improving mental health outcomes among employees. All of these could contribute to a healthier workforce:
- flexible working arrangements;
- regular breaks;
- and promoting hobbies and interests outside work.
7. Address workplace stress
Identifying and addressing factors that can cause work-related stress can help prevent mental health issues. This may involve reducing workloads, improving communication, and fostering a supportive work environment.
Ensuring your employees can access timely support is crucial in reducing workplace stress and its impact on mental health.
8. Create mental health policies
Develop clear workplace policies and procedures related to mental health. These should outline how mental health issues will be addressed. As well as confidentiality measures and employee resources.
9. Encourage self-care
Promoting and facilitating self-care practices among employees is vital for helping individuals maintain their wellbeing and mental health. This includes encouraging:
- regular exercise;
- healthy eating;
- adequate sleep;
- and mindfulness techniques.
10. Monitor and evaluate
Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your mental health initiatives and adjust as necessary. Collecting employee feedback and tracking key metrics can help assess the impact of these efforts. For instance, absenteeism rates. This process also identifies opportunities for improvement.
The Mental Health Foundation has developed an employer checklist for creating mentally healthy workplaces.6
This includes a range of aspects, including:
- Valuing mental health and wellbeing as core assets of your organisation.
- Supporting the development of compassionate and effective line management relationships.
- Address discrimination.
- Valuing the diversity and transferable skills that come from lived experience of mental health problems and supporting disclosure.
Enhancing workplace wellbeing
Prioritising mental health in the workplace benefits both employees' wellbeing and the organisation's success. Implementing comprehensive mental health first aid initiatives creates a supportive environment. In this environment, employees feel valued, productive, and resilient when facing challenges.
Our employment law and mental health myth-busters guide aims to debunk myths surrounding mental health and promote a culture of support in the workplace. The guide highlights the critical importance of prioritising mental health. Additionally, it offers practical strategies for employers and employees to create a mentally healthy work environment.
Sources
1. hse.gov.uk/historical-picture.pdf
2. britsafe.org/18-million-work-days-lost-each-year-to-poor-mental-health
3. theguardian.com/mental-illness-costs-england-300bn-a-year-study-shows
4. acas.org.uk/managing-your-employees-mental-health-at-work
5. books.hse.gov.uk/First-Aid-at-Work-The-Health-and-Safety-First-aid-Regulations-1981-L74-Paperback
6. mentalhealth.org.uk/how-support-mental-health-work
