Over the past year, more and more businesses have been thinking about how to be more socially responsible. This might involve thinking about how to be a greener company, or how to give back to your local community; but there's something else businesses should be talking about - mental health.
Thanks to campaigns like Time to Talk and World Mental Health Day, more people are familiar with anxiety, depression and other common mental illnesses. According to Public Health England, mental health issues in the workforce cost UK employers up to £42 billion a year; around £8 billion in sickness absences alone, as well as £8 billion in replacing staff who leave their jobs because of their mental health.
Three in five employees cite work as a reason for their mental health issues, and only 13% of employees feel able to disclose a mental health issue to their line manager. Almost a third of UK employees have been formally diagnosed with a mental health issue. This particularly impacts small and medium sized businesses, where high staff turnover and low productivity can be especially expensive. 15% of employees who disclosed mental ill health faced dismissal, disciplinary action (such as an extended probation) or demotion.
These statistics may seem staggering and the issues insurmountable, but there are things that employers can do to help staff that are struggling with mental health issues - and it's also great for your business. Employers with a proactive approach towards mental health attract the best talent and retain employees, as well as improve their reputation within their community.
How can my business take a proactive approach to mental health?
1. Open a dialogue with your employees
This is one of the easiest things to do, and is ideal for SMEs who don't have the funding to invest a lot of money in mental health. Employers could nominate a dedicated Mental Health contact that staff can reach out to directly when they're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. They should be supported by a mental health wellbeing policy, which includes policies covering absence, bullying and discrimination. Make sure there is a established procedure in place for employees who have to take time off for their mental health, ideally with local counselling services you can refer them to.
2. Encourage healthy behaviours
Encouraging healthy behaviours in your employees can be as simple as ensuring that staff take their lunch breaks, and start and finish work when they're supposed to. Exercise can also have a positive impact on mental health issues, so you could encourage walking and cycling to work; the Cycle to Work Scheme can help employees finance bicycles and accessories. You can also encourage regular socialising through company activities and events, as well as encourage volunteering opportunities in your community.
3. Look into mental health training
Mental Health First Aid training is similar to training your staff in First Aid. Organisations like Mind and Mental Health First Aid England offer training for managers and staff all around the country. Courses can run over a half day, full day or two days, and teaches you to recognise the early signs of common mental illnesses, as well as strategies for supporting employees who are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression. It also teaches attendees how to ensure that their businesses are compliant with UK policies on mental health in the workplace.
How else can I improve my workplace?
At the very minimum, educate yourself on mental health issues. Make sure that you know how to talk about mental health with your employees. Employees that are honest with you about their mental health issues need reassurance and support - and certainly not disciplinary action. Give staff the support they need, and your business will reap the rewards.
Information collated from the Business in the Community mental health toolkit (in association with Public Health England)
