Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 Things You Can Do to Support Wellbeing at Work
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month!
This year’s theme is ‘Anxiety’ and how we can better manage our worries and anxious thoughts to not let them overpower us.
While many experience anxiety as a serious mental health condition, requiring specialised professional support, others might suffer from it occasionally, especially at work.
Supporting employee wellbeing and mental health is becoming a major focus in HR conversations.
However, there is still much work to be done.
It’s reported that half of all young workers in the UK are still fearful of opening up about their mental health struggles in the workplace, citing concerns that talking about them might limit career opportunities and progression.
These concerns show that there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental health conditions, and that companies must do more to show their support with deeds, rather than words.
The Do’s and Don’ts of wellbeing initiatives
Still, not all deeds are created equal.
You’ll often come across flashy and fun initiatives like monthly pizza parties, socials, and ping-pong tables listed as the go-to perks to improve employee wellbeing.
But while these can contribute to a more positive workplace environment, they do little to tackle the root of the issue and properly support employees with their mental health struggles.
So, what should you do instead?
Here are some meaningful wellbeing initiatives you can promote in your workplace to make a real difference:
Lead by example
The first step is to start talking about mental health yourself, making sure that all employees know that their issues will be understood and respected.
Directors and HR managers have to maintain an open and honest dialogue with employees from the very start. For example, they might highlight their focus on mental health during the induction period, or schedule in drop-in wellbeing sessions to check up on staff and listen to their workplace-related worries.
Provide training across all management
In order to listen and respond to complaints and worries the best they can, management might require some dedicated training.
HR should make sure that all line managers understand the type of support that is available, as well as provide stress management and mental health training.
This should include tips on how to spot signs of employee stress and burnout, as well as tips on how to appropriately (and delicately!) talk to staff.
If you’re looking for expert-led training, you can get in touch with one of our advisers – we’ll pair you with the best mental health training professional for your needs!
Stress-proof your workspace
Sometimes, our workspace can exacerbate employee stress.
Just like a cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind, inappropriate noise levels, small spaces or even stark lighting can negatively affect staff wellbeing.
Open-plan offices, for example, have been found to reduce employee wellbeing by 32%, on top of reducing productivity.
Make sure you are creating a work environment that is pleasantly quiet, welcoming, and designed to give privacy to staff when they might need it.
Implement mental health days and remote working opportunities
Remote working has been found to improve employee wellbeing, work satisfaction and productivity. While not all employees will enjoy working from home every day, giving employees the choice to work remotely according to their schedules and needs can really make a difference to their wellbeing.
In the same vein, allowing for ‘mental health days’ (a few days off per year dedicated to taking care of one’s health and wellbeing) can also boost staff’s wellness and overall work satisfaction.
Make access to treatment easier
Finally, employers can help staff who is struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues by providing appropriate healthcare benefits, such as choosing a medical insurance that will extensively cover mental health treatment.
Accessing outpatient mental health treatment is far from a quick and easy process, so you can be sure that any additional support from your insurer will make a long-lasting difference.
What most of these solutions have in common is that they put the focus for better workplace wellbeing on prevention. Taking care of employee mental health requires preparation and knowledge, and we understand that not all companies feel adequately equipped to deal with such a serious matter on their own.
Our team of experts is here to answer all your questions and direct you towards the most fitting solution for your needs.
You can also keep an eye out for our upcoming training opportunities – you might just find the right workshop or programme for your needs!