How to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
Employers are responsible for safeguarding not just their employees’ physical health and safety but also their mental wellbeing.
Employees who feel healthy and mentally supported tend to be happier at work. The happier your employees are, the better they are likely to perform – so it’s in everyone’s best interests for employers to look after their workforce’s mental health.
In this article, we will learn more about the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace and strategies for doing so.
Why promoting mental health in the workplace is important
In today’s fast-based world, prioritising employees’ mental health is essential, not just to their wellbeing, but to the overall success of an organisation too. When employees have good mental health, it helps to foster a more positive, engaged, and productive workforce. Let’s learn more about the benefits of promoting mental health in the workplace.
Enhance productivity – Looking after your employee’s mental health is key to helping them reach their full potential at work. When employees are mentally healthy, they are more focused, creative, and efficient, contributing to the overall productivity and success of the organisation.
Ethical and social responsibility – While promoting good mental health in the workplace is undeniably good for business, it’s also a matter of ethical and social responsibility. Employees spend a large portion of their waking hours at work, so employers have a moral obligation to ensure that their mental wellbeing is supported during this time.
Legal compliance – Employers have a duty of care to support employee health, safety, and wellbeing at work – including their mental health. Promoting mental health in the workplace helps employers to comply with their legal obligations and mitigate risks of legal consequences.
Reduce sick days – According to the Mental Health Foundation, 12.7% of all sick days in the UK are attributed to mental health conditions. By proactively supporting mental health at work, businesses can reduce absenteeism and maintain a more consistent and reliable workforce.
Boost employee morale – Promoting mental health positively impacts employee morale. When employees feel that their mental wellbeing is valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work and employer.
Improve employee retention rates – As we’ve just learnt, employers with a reputation for prioritising a supportive and healthy workplace culture typically experience high employee morale, resulting in a more satisfied and loyal workforce. This reduces staff turnover and the costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.
How to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
Ready to start making a difference in your employees’ lives and improve the mental wellbeing of your workforce? Wondering how to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace? Let’s discover some key strategies:
Company policies and procedures
- Mental health training – All employees in managerial or supervisory roles should be trained in recognising and addressing mental health issues. At CBAT, we run a popular Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid and Mental Health. Our course equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required to support and promote mental health in the workplace.
- Flexible work arrangements – Offering employees flexible working hours and the option to work from home helps employees manage their work/life balance and reduces stress, positively impacting their mental health.
- Anti-discrimination policies – Enforcing an anti-discrimination policy in the workplace can help protect employees from stigma and discrimination related to mental health.
- Regular employee one-to-ones – Make it company policy for all employees to have regular one-to-one meetings with their managers. This allows employees to discuss any work or wellbeing issues they are having.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – EAPs are work-based programs that give employees access to confidential support and professional help for resolving personal problems and mental health issues.
Mental health initiatives
- Mental health education – Keep the conversation surrounding mental health going by organising regular talks and workshops. These sessions help to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide practical tips and advice for maintaining mental wellbeing.
- Mental wellbeing activities – Plan and promote activities that support mental wellbeing, like mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, or workshops on stress management.
- Mental health days – Encourage employees to take mental health days as part of their leave entitlement to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
- Peer support groups – Set up peer support groups to provide employees with a safe space to share experiences, discuss mental health issues, and support each other.
Promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace requires ongoing commitment and dedication. Mental health awareness needs to be woven seamlessly into the very fabric of your business’s culture and values. Companies that adopt a holistic and consistent approach to promoting mental health are likelier to cultivate an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. In such supportive environments, employees are better positioned to thrive, excel, and achieve their full potential, driving both personal and organisational success.
Educating your leaders and getting them on board with promoting mental health is the first step towards a happier and healthier workforce.
At Care Business Associate Training, our FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (RQF) training teaches individuals how to identify mental health conditions, start conversations about mental health, provide advice and recommend professional services. It also explores the factors that contribute to creating a positive mental health culture in the workplace.
For more information about this course or to find out about similar courses we run, call our team on 01772 816 922 or email admin@cba-training.co.uk.