World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th each year, providing an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their approach to employee wellbeing and mental health support. In today's workplace, mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in overall business success.
At Peritus Learning, we believe that supporting employee mental health is not just the right thing to do—it's also good for business. Let's explore why mental health matters in the workplace and how organizations can better support their employees.
The Business Case for Mental Health Support
The impact of poor mental health on businesses is substantial. According to recent research:
- Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion per year
- 76% of employees have experienced at least one symptom of poor mental health in the past year
- Absenteeism and presenteeism due to mental health issues cost businesses an average of £1,300 per employee annually
- Organizations that invest in mental health support see an average return of £5 for every £1 spent
These statistics highlight the significant financial incentive for businesses to prioritize mental health support, beyond the clear ethical imperative to care for employee wellbeing.
Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture
Building a workplace that supports mental health requires a multifaceted approach:
- Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns without fear of stigma or repercussions.
- Manager Training: Equip managers with the skills to recognize signs of mental health struggles and respond appropriately.
- Flexible Working: Offer flexible working arrangements that help employees balance work and personal responsibilities.
- Wellbeing Benefits: Provide access to resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and mental health days.
- Workload Management: Ensure reasonable workloads and clear expectations to prevent burnout.
Organizations that implement these strategies often see improvements in employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
The Role of Training in Mental Health Support
Education plays a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues and equipping employees with the tools to support themselves and others. At Peritus Learning, we offer several courses designed to enhance mental health awareness and support in the workplace:
- Mental Health Awareness (10 mins): An introduction to mental health concepts and the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.
- Mental Health Awareness: Having Mental Health Conversations (9 mins): Guidance on how to approach sensitive mental health discussions with colleagues.
- Mental Health Awareness: Stigma, Discrimination, and the Importance of Language (5 mins): How to create a stigma-free workplace where people feel comfortable discussing mental health issues.
- Managing Anxiety (4 mins): Practical tools to manage anxiety in and outside of work.
- Working Through the Menopause (3 mins): A course that addresses the unique challenges of menopause in the workplace, an often-overlooked factor in employee wellbeing.
These courses are designed to provide quick but effective learning moments that can be easily incorporated into the workday, making it easier for HR professionals and managers to offer continuous education on these critical topics. It's important to combine these sorts of educational strategies and resources with management and leadership training, the right workplace benefits, flexibility, and time off, and culture change to ensure effectiveness.
Conclusion
Mental health and wellbeing should be an integral part of any organisation's strategy all year round, but World Mental Health Day is a good time to start or refresh your policies and check in with your teams.
By investing in your people and their mental health, you'll be investing in the future success of your business too.
Are you, or someone you know, in crisis?
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with mental health, please reach out. Here are a few resources you might find useful:
- Shout: A free, fully confidential, 24/7 text service for anyone who is struggling to cope. You can text them on 85258, or visit https://giveusashout.org/ for more info
- Samaritans: Free, 24/7 support over the phone. Call them on 116 123, or learn more at https://www.samaritans.org/
- Calm Harm: A free app designed to help manage feelings of anxiety and the urge to self harm. Download it here.
Further Learning:
- Mind: https://workplace.mind.org.uk/
- Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
- Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com/
- Spill: https://www.spill.chat/
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