Well-Being

LOOKING AFTER THE WELLBEING OF YOUR EMPLOYEES ISN'T JUST THE RIGHT THING TO DO.....IT MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE TOO

 

Research conducted by Mental Health Charity MIND confirms that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers:

  • More than one in five (21%) agreed that they had called in sick to avoid work when asked how workplace stress had affected them
  • 14% agreed that they had resigned and 42% had considered resigning when asked how workplace stress had affected them
  • 30% of staff disagreed with the statement ‘I would feel able to talk openly with my line manager if I was feeling stressed’
  • 56% of employers said they would like to do more to improve staff wellbeing but don't feel they have the right training or guidance

Are you looking after the wellbeing of your employees? 

In these challenging times, employee wellbeing  is arguably one of the most crucial factors facing business owners and could well determine the future success of your business. Put simply, right now - no business can afford to be complacent around this topic, with so many employees struggling to cope with the additional strains posed on them personally through the coronavirus pandemic. 

Taking the time, and putting the right resources in place to support your people will not only strengthen your business now, but it will pay dividends for the future. But where do you start and what measures will have the best impact when people may be reluctant to share their struggles or reach out for help.

Take guidance from the experts:

Mental health charity MIND has published a simple framework to help employers meet the challenges Coronavirus is raising for employee mental wellbeing.

This framework provides an excellent starting point for businesses to review their current activities and develop a more joined up approach.

The MIND standard, looks at :

• Taking a structured approach to mental health

• Putting tools and support in place for mental health issues

• Checking that the culture of your business contributes positively to mental health

• Making sure you proactively check in with staff regularly, in a supportive way

• Increasing confidence and skills in having effective conversations about mental wellbeing

However, every business is different and the approach taken needs to be one that suits your business.  By applying these principles  in a clear and measurable plan, delivered with care and sensitivity you will start to have an impact. 

Key Tips:

• Be realistic about what you can do, but make sure you you are doing something

• Prioritise and focus on areas you think will have the biggest impact

• Be prepared to invest some time and money

• Keep pushing forward, this isn’t an issue that is going away and your commitment will determine your success.

It makes business sense too, as looking after the mental health of your people is essential to looking after the performance of your business and therefore the health of your bottom-line too – something no business can afford not to bear in mind.

                 

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Useful links and resources

Fact Sheet and Tips on Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Small Businesses

Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace

 People Manager's Guide to Mental Health 

How to implement the Mental Health Standards in the Workplace 

How to support staff who are experiencing a mental health problem 

How to take stock of mental health in your workplace 

Mental Health at Work Commitment - guide for employers during the coronavirus