In 2018 mental health is becoming more widely spoken about in, and out, of the workplace. Smart employers know that organisations are only as strong as their people and that the experiences, wellbeing and motivations of each worker is fundamental to how the organisation performs. Generally, a common-sense approach based on open communication and good people-management is all that is required. Below are our six top tips to help you effectively manage and support workplace mental wellbeing.
Encourage people to talk
Increase awareness among employees of mental health and aim to create an open environment where your employees feel they are able to talk about their wellbeing.
Make it an organisational priority
Don’t just flirt around the issue of mental health as staff must believe that you’re taking the issue seriously. If there isn’t an overall acceptance from the top-down that mental health needs to be tackled, then any initiatives will simply fall flat.
Promote a ‘stress-less’ environment
Recognise that stress can bring on mental health issues and so ensure this is dealt with by championing a calm and positive working environment. As part of this, endorse a good work-life balance in which long hours and ‘out of office’ emails are discouraged. You must also make staff feel appreciated and recognised for the effort they put in and ensure that your leadership culture is one of mentorship, advocacy and empowerment rather than control and power.
Provide mental health training
Train your leadership team on how to approach employees if they think they may be struggling with mental health issues. You should also provide guidance on how they can manage staff who may be absent due to mental health problems.
Communicate which mental health services are available
Make sure that there is clear communication about which mental health services are available to employees, so they know how they can seek help. Also ensure there are options for employees to seek help anonymously.
Reasonable adjustments
You should be prepared to make reasonable adjustments as mental health issues can amount to a disability in the eyes of the law. Reasonable adjustments can help the employee cope at work, such as extra rest breaks or daily help with assessing work priories.
If you need help and advice regarding mental health in the workplace, please do not hesitate to contact the employment team on 0113 350 4030 or at hello@scesolicitors.co.uk.
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SCE Solicitors is a boutique employment law practice based in Leeds which advises clients nationwide. Please note that the information in this blog is to provide information of general interest in a summary manner and should not be construed as individual legal advice. Readers should consult with SCE Solicitors or other professional counsel before acting on the information contained here.
Richard Newstead
Richard acts for both employers and employees drafting and advising on settlement agreements, contracts of employment, consultancy agreements, directors service agreements and general workplace policies. He acts for commercial clients in the employment tribunal dealing with unfair dismissals, constructive dismissals and claims for discrimination.
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