How can employers offer more mental health support now and in the future?

Most employers are doing more now than ever before to ensure they are supporting the mental health of their employees. And, in these times of working from home and long term isolation, it’s becoming increasingly important for employers to ensure their employees have more mental health support now and for the future.

However, according to Secondsight’s latest research , over half of employees (51%) felt their employer should be offering them more mental health support. 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 right now and for when business resumes to normal.

Physical exercise – 42% of employees felt their employer should be offering them more physical health support. And, exercise is a great place to start. Right now, you can encourage employees to take their daily walk or register for one of the many physical charity activities on offer. In the future, you can provide discount gym vouchers, cycle to work schemes or even bring the yoga class to the office!

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 undoubtedly has a knock-on effect on their mental health. 40% of employees said they would like more financial health support from their employer, so offering financial education can really help to provide employees with the tools they need to improve their finances, set goals and be prepared for when the unexpected may 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, with 52% of employees saying there is a social stigma surrounding mental health within their workplace. But, giving managers tools and training to spot signs that their employees might be struggling with their mental health, is 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.

These steps can be taking now, as we go through these difficult and unusual times, but can also be implemented when business returns to some normality. Just remember, monitor what is working, review and make changes as you go and try to get people talking about mental health.

To read the full research white paper ‘Workplace employee benefits and wellbeing: An employer and employee perspective’ download it here.

 

Information correct as of 30/04/2020

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