Fostering mental wellbeing in the workplace

In today's workplace, mental health is a critical factor for wellbeing and performance, so recognising and promoting mental health support is essential for creating a healthy and productive atmosphere. 

Recent statistics from MHFA England reveal the pressing need for mental health support, with employees reporting increased workplace intensity and more significant pressures at work resulting in 55% feeling that work is getting more intense and demanding, whilst 61% of workers say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days. 

Here are some proactive steps that you can easily take to acknowledge and promote mental health support within your organisation. 

Raise Awareness 

Open channels of communication and support for mental health can have a transformative impact. Initiatives such as launching a Mental Health Group or promoting awareness through workshops, seminars, and newsletters can really underscore the importance of mental wellbeing. These initiatives will foster an environment where employees feel safe seeking assistance when needed, creating a workplace that truly cares. Notably, a recent LinkedIn poll revealed that 38% of individuals are already benefiting from internal mental health groups within their workplaces, and this highlights the growing recognition of the value such initiatives bring. 

Designated Mental Health Days 

In the US, client surveys have revealed one in six employers now offer ‘mental health days’ providing their employees with designated days to prioritise their wellbeing without any guilt or pressure about needing to take time for self-care, and this has resulted in a more productive workforce. 

Mental Health Policies

In the wake of the pandemic and against the backdrop of the UK's persistent cost-of-living challenges, the CCLA reports that 43% of companies have taken a proactive stance by implementing formal policies that explicitly acknowledge the integral link between financial wellbeing and mental health. By crafting transparent and easily accessible mental health policies that show dedication to employee wellbeing, organisations can assure their workforce that they are operating within a truly supportive environment. 

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential counselling services to address a wide array of personal and professional challenges that can affect employee wellbeing. So ensuring employees are fully aware of the support available to them can be achieved through consistent and transparent communication via emails, newsletters, and workplace posters, emphasising the confidentiality of the services. 

Proactive promotion of EAPs not only ensures employees know about the support at their disposal but also contributes to improved wellbeing and productivity, benefiting both employees and the organisation. 

Mental Health Training  

Regular training is a crucial component of fostering a mentally healthy workplace. It involves offering mental health training to employees across all levels, from front-line staff to managers and leaders. This training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise signs of distress and mental health challenges in themselves and their colleagues. By empowering employees to identify these indicators, organisations can facilitate early intervention and support, ultimately contributing to a more empathetic and responsive work environment. 

Such training not only reduces stigma but also ensures that employees feel valued, understood, and supported in their mental health journey, enhancing overall wellbeing within the organisation. 

By recognising and promoting mental health support in the workplace, organisations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, leading to improved employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. It's also a critical step toward breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues.