How can employers offer more mental health support?

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environment, supporting employee mental health has become a priority for a lot of businesses. While many employers are already taking steps to provide resources and create a healthier and happier workplace culture, there’s always room for improvement. As mental health challenges continue to rise, finding effective ways to offer more meaningful support is essential.

According to the World Health Organisation, globally there is an estimated 12 billion working days a year lost to depression and anxiety  So, what more could employers be doing to support the mental health of their employees?

Here are some ideas you could introduce or encourage within your organisation:

Physical exercise –Encouraging employees to take a walk during their lunch break is a quick and easy step in the right direction. You could also encourage taking regular movement breaks or even promote any health benefits the company offer such as gym memberships and cycle to work schemes. Regular physical activity can provide not only significant physical benefits but and mental health benefits too.

Regular breaks –Although this seems simple, how many employers actually enforce regular breaks as part of the working day? A team coffee break or a ten minute walk around the block, can see huge benefits to the mental health of employees and even increase productivity too.

Financial education –Money worries can disrupt an employee’s day and keep them awake at night. This can have a knock-on effect to their mental health. Offering financial education can really help to provide employees with the tools they need to improve their finances, set goals and be prepared should the unexpected occur.

Mental health first aiders – With everyday life taking its toll on some people’s mental health, it’s often hard to know who to talk to when things aren’t quite going to plan. Having mental health first aiders around the workplace provides employees with comfort they have someone who can listen if they are struggling.

Management mental health training –Not everyone wants to talk about the issues they might be facing. Giving managers tools and training to spot signs that their employees might be struggling with their mental health, can be vital. If they are able to recognise the signs, they can offer people time out, support or just point them in the direction of company initiatives which may be on offer.

Safeguarding and promoting mental health in the workplace involves building the skills to identify and address mental health issues, just remember, monitor what is working, review and make changes as you go and try to get people talking about mental health.

Secondsight offer many resources for employers looking to improve their employees wellbeing, check out our resource centre for more information. Alternately, if you’d like personalised support from one of our team contact us today.

Source: Mental health at work (who.int)

Information correct as of 10/10/2024

Secondsight is a trading name of Foster Denovo Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.