Today, October 10th, marks World Mental Health Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental well-being. This year’s theme, “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”, focuses on the need to address mental health challenges in professional environments and create supportive, mentally healthy workplaces.
Why Focus on Workplace Mental Health?
Mental health in the workplace is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. According to Mental Health Foundation research, 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace. Stress, anxiety, and depression are among the most common mental health issues faced by employees. Moreover, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 17 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the UK between 2021 and 2022.
The cost of mental health problems to UK employers is also significant, with an estimated £56 billion lost annually in reduced productivity, higher turnover, and absenteeism, according to a study by Deloitte. Despite these challenges, many workplaces still struggle to openly address mental health issues, leaving employees unsupported.
This year’s theme emphasises that it’s time for employers, organisations, and employees across the UK to actively prioritise mental health in the workplace. A supportive, healthy work environment is not only beneficial for employees but also for a company’s overall success and sustainability.
Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health at Work
Stigma surrounding mental health is still a major barrier to employees seeking help. Many workers worry that disclosing mental health issues could negatively impact their job security or career progression. This often leads to people suffering in silence, with many too afraid to speak up until their problems escalate.
Building a workplace culture that promotes open discussion about mental health is essential. Employers can play a key role in this by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where employees feel comfortable addressing their mental health needs.
How Employers Can Prioritise Mental Health
There are several ways employers can take proactive steps to support their employees’ mental well-being:
Offer Mental Health Support: Ensure that employees have access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health days, and counselling services. Some companies now provide mental health first aid training, which equips employees to offer initial support.
Foster a Positive Work Environment: Promote a culture where mental health is openly discussed, and employees feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of stigma. Offering regular check-ins and creating spaces where staff can express their concerns can help create this environment.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible working arrangements, manageable workloads, and proper breaks. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has blurred the lines between work and personal life, so it’s more important than ever to ensure employees take the time they need to rest and recharge.
Provide Training for Managers: Equip line managers and leaders with training on how to recognise signs of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in their teams. Knowing how to support employees and direct them to appropriate resources can make a significant difference.
The Role of Employees in Prioritising Mental Health
Employees can also take steps to look after their own mental well-being at work. Here are some tips for maintaining mental health:
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, especially for those working remotely. Make time for breaks and try to log off at the end of the workday to prevent burnout.
Communicate Your Needs: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to speak with your manager or HR team. More and more workplaces are developing policies and resources specifically designed to help employees manage their mental health.
Practice Self-Care: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, whether through exercise, mindfulness, or taking time to disconnect from work.
It’s Time for Action
This World Mental Health Day is a call to action for workplaces to prioritise mental health. Companies that actively support their employees’ mental well-being can not only reduce absenteeism and improve productivity but also create a more engaged and loyal workforce.
Looking Ahead
As the world of work continues to evolve, addressing mental health in the workplace will remain critical. By prioritising mental health, UK employers can foster a workplace culture that supports the well-being of their employees, leading to healthier, happier, and more productive teams.
This World Mental Health Day 2024, let’s make mental well-being a priority across UK workplaces. Whether you’re an employer, manager, or employee, take steps tomorrow to create a positive, supportive environment where mental health is championed and respected.
