31st May 2011
The mental health charity, Mind, recognises that the workplace can be a source of good as well as bad mental health. To coincide with Mind's mental health at work campaign, Taking Care of Business, they publish their top tips for employers and employees to support good mental health.
Whether it is
the urging of political leaders to start measuring general wellbeing rather
than GDP, or the hard costs to business, employee health and wellbeing is
slowly rising up the agenda. In a recent survey from Towers Watson 87 per cent
of multinationals said employee wellbeing would be a higher priority over the
next two years. But the scale of the challenge is daunting; UK business lost an
estimated £3 billion through poor employee health last year.
In certain
sectors, the problems are unsurprisingly acute. The armed forces saw a 20 per
cent increase in reported mental health cases last year, compared to 2009. In
public services change, uncertainty and job losses are all affecting morale
with consequences for wellbeing. However, even in sectors where conditions are
more benign, poor employee health can still be an issue.
The mental
health charity Mind believes that relatively simple steps can have a big impact
in the workplace. The most important step is for employers and employees to
start talking about the issue - many employers aren't aware of the scale of the
problem and how it is affecting their bottom line, as mental health taboos mean
employees are afraid to come forward. Businesses that create an open,
supportive culture and invest in their staff not only enhance performance, but
stand to save billions of pounds a year.
Employers: Top 5 tips for a mentally healthy workplace
- If
you are a manager, ask your staff how they are. Schedule in regular catch ups
to discuss how staff are managing and progressing.
- Promote
an open, supportive environment. Staff should be able to speak up when
something is wrong, and know that they'll be listened to and supported.
- Make
sure staff have time and space to relax. Provide a staff room or space they can
go for a break.
- Make
sure roles and responsibilities are clear. Give employees some control over
planning their workload.
- Make
sure your staff feel valued for their work. Knowing your work is appreciated
does wonders for morale.
Employees: Top 5 tips for improving your working day
- Connect - Take five minutes to do something
for your colleagues, make a cup of tea or get them a drink
- Be
active - Go for a
walk at lunchtime or just take a moment to grab some fresh air
-
Take
notice - Be aware of
how your colleagues are really feeling, ask them how they are and have a chat
with them
- Learn - Take a few minutes to expand your
mind - read the news, a book, or do a crossword or sudoku
- Give - Get to know your colleagues better,
host a Wake up your Mind fundraising breakfast at
work to kick start your day and tackle the elephant in the room
www.mind.org.uk/work
