One in six people in the United Kingdom experience mental health problems in the workplace, and mental health conditions are responsible for 12.7% of all sickness absence days, according to research from the Mental Health Foundation.
Employee Mental Health
The study found that one in six employees experience mental health issues in the workplace. In fact, mental health conditions account for 12.7% of all sickness absence days, and businesses in the UK could save up to £8bn annually by providing better mental health support in the workplace.
Although mental health awareness has become increasingly important in recent years, the report stresses that it is essential for HR departments to be equipped to identify and support colleagues and employees with mental health issues.
Business Owners and Mental Health
It's not just employee mental health which impacts businesses. In fact, a new survey has found that owners of small businesses which employ 2-10 people, have been trading for 5-10 years and are solely responsible for decisions are most likely to have suffered higher anxiety and stress due to their business finances.
As well as this, business owners who have taken on personal debt to fund their business in the last year are more likely to have their mental health suffer.
How HR can Improve Mental Health
HR leaders can improve employee mental health through several methods, including:
- regular check-ins with employees
- internal training for line managers
- mental health support training
- offering mental health-related employee benefits
- using HR tech to identify patterns
- developing a comprehensive well-being policy
HR teams should create open lines of communication with employees, which can help identify early signs of mental health issues. HR should also ensure that business owners or line-managers are appropriately trained to support individuals struggling with mental health issues. In-house training programmes should be built using resources such as webinars, guides, and online courses, and mental health support should be included in employees’ benefits packages.
Finally, developing a comprehensive well-being policy that covers both physical and mental health can be effective in improving workplace mental health. This policy should be supported by senior management and outline key stakeholders' responsibilities. It should also incorporate processes for evaluating the effectiveness of all well-being initiatives, and enumerate the advice, support, and training available to enhance employee well-being.
By implementing these measures, HR leaders can help to create a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being and mental health.
Get Mental Health Support
At The Director's Choice, we understand the importance of mental health in the workplace, and we work with HR experts and mental health professionals to help small businesses create a healthier work environment. Our goal is to help small businesses create a workplace that supports and values the mental health of all business owners and employees, which can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Get in touch with our team to support your mental health today.
Article by Maddyness
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