Prioritising mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is not only beneficial for individuals but also for organisations as a whole. The mental health of employees directly impacts their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Valuing your teams’ mental health and wellbeing might just lead to increased motivation, creativity, and productivity.
However, neglecting this crucial issue can result in higher absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased turnover. Investing in mental health is not only the right thing to do but also a decision which will benefit both employees and organisations.
Today we will delve into practical steps which can be taken to promote a healthier work environment.
Take it Seriously
Injuries and illnesses are taken very seriously in the workplace, and rightly so. However, it is important that mental health and wellbeing are given the same attention.
Often the importance of conducting a risk assessment for manual handling or working at height is understood and accepted, but unfortunately the same cannot be said of a mental health and wellbeing risk assessment. However, this does not deter from their absolute importance.
Mental health and wellbeing risk assessments are one of the most effective ways to start the process of employee mental health support. Here at PHSS we can provide you with a Mental Health and Well-being Risk Assessment template. Please get in touch with our team on 0141 471 6266 or info@projecthss.co.uk for more information.
Create a Supportive Work Environment
As employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work, their working environment can have a direct impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, creating a supportive work environment is essential to maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing. This includes promoting a work-life balance, providing access to resources and support systems, and fostering open communication.
It is also important to implement policies and procedures that encourage employees to prioritise their mental health. When employees feel supported, they are often more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their work.
Find more information about the importance of mental health and wellbeing policies here.
If you require help with creating policies and procedures, here at PHSS we can take care of this for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team more information.
Break the Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is the stigma that surrounds it. Employees may fear judgement or consequences if they share their mental health struggles. It is crucial for managers to make it a priority by actively promoting open conversations and providing education and training around mental health.
Train Managers and Leaders
Managers and leaders play a key role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their teams. Often managers find it difficult to know where to start conversations around mental health. Therefore, practical guidance and tools are crucial to develop the skills necessary to recognise and address mental health issues effectively. Our team at PHSS lead training courses in ‘Managing Mental Health in the Workplace’ which are designed for anyone responsible for managing people at work.
To prioritise mental health and wellbeing in your workplace, mental health resources should be provided. This can include educational resources such as workshops that focus on stress management, resilience, and mindfulness. However, this should also include access to mental health support and services such as a Mental Health First Aider.
One of our trained team can act as your Mental Health First Aider and will be on call to provide immediate support to your employees struggling with their mental health. Please note that this service is only available to our retained clients, although please get in touch with any questions regarding this service.
Here at PHSS, we can also provide ‘Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health’ training and ‘First Aid for Mental Health’ training for those who are interested in becoming Mental Health First Aiders. If this is something you are interested in, give us a call to arrange this training.
Don’t Know Where to Start?…
If you’re an employer or manager and don’t know where to start, PHSS are here to help!
We have created a brand-new Mental Health and Wellbeing package to get you started.
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing package includes:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and Procedure
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Risk Assessment Template
- ‘Developing a Workplace Mental Health Policy’ eLearning
- Initial Implementation Meeting
Contact our team on 0141 471 6266 or info@projecthss.co.uk to start your journey towards a healthier work environment.