I’d like to think that over the last 10 years or so we have all come to understand some fundamentals around mental health, for example: it’s not the same as mental illness, we all have mental health, mental health is just as important as physical health, mental health is an intrinsic part of overall health and wellbeing.
We have also started to understand the significant costs of poor mental health. The Centre for Mental Health estimates the total cost of mental ill health to the English economy alone at £300 billion in 2022¹;
- Economic costs – costs to business due absence and “presenteeism”, staff turnover and unemployment (£110 billion)
- Human costs – reduced quality of life, premature mortality (£130 billion)
- Health and care costs – both public services and care provided by friends/family (£60 billion)
To put this cost into context, NHS England’s budgeted revenue for 2024/25 is £164.9 billion² so the economic cost of mental health is significant to the UK.
As mentioned above, in recent years there has been more awareness of mental health in general and it has become a focal point in workplace discussions. It is now clearly understood how the mental wellbeing of employees directly impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and overall workplace culture. As awareness around mental health continues to grow, employers have a crucial role to play in supporting their staff – It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace – so here are five effective ways employers can promote and support employee mental health in the workplace.
Create a supportive work environment
A supportive work environment starts with leadership and company culture. Employers should foster an open and inclusive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of stigma or reprisal. This may involve increasing mental health awareness amongst the workforce and providing training so that managers can recognise signs of mental distress and respond empathetically. Implementing regular check-ins and creating informal spaces for employees to talk can also help in maintaining a supportive environment.
Implement mental health policies and training
Formal policies on mental health can provide a framework for how the organisation approaches mental wellbeing. This includes clear guidelines on how employees can seek help and what resources are available. Regular mental health training for all employees, including management, can increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues. This training can cover how to handle mental health crises, the importance of mental wellbeing, and signposting on how to access support services.
Offer flexible working arrangements
Flexibility can be a significant factor in reducing stress and improving mental health. Where possible, employers should consider offering flexible working hours, remote working options, and opportunities for employees to adjust their work schedules to better manage their personal commitments. This flexibility helps employees balance their work and personal responsibilities more effectively, which can lead to reduced stress and increased job satisfaction.
Provide access to mental health resources
Employers should ensure that employees have easy access to mental health resources. This could include providing an employee assistance program (EAP) that offers confidential counselling and support services. Partnerships with mental health organisations, online resources, and mental health days are also beneficial. Providing educational materials and workshops on mental health can equip employees with the tools they need to manage their mental wellbeing.
Promote a healthy work-life balance
Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining mental health. Employers should lead from the front, by respecting employees’ need to manage their personal/domestic lives and discouraging excessive overtime. Promoting regular breaks, encouraging time off, and providing resources for managing workload can help prevent burnout. Recognising and rewarding employees’ efforts without overburdening with excessive workloads and tight deadlines is important in fostering a balanced work environment.
Supporting employee mental health is not only a legal and moral obligation for employers but also a practical one that leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. By creating a supportive work environment, implementing comprehensive mental health policies, offering flexible working arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and promoting work-life balance, employers can make significant strides in enhancing their employees’ wellbeing. Investing in employee mental health is investing in the overall success of the organisation, fostering a culture of care that benefits stakeholders.
¹ The economic and social costs of mental ill health – Centre for Mental Health
² Budget 2024 | NHS Confederation
This article was written by Head of Health and Wellbeing Benefits, Ed Watling.
Content correct at time of writing (October 2024).
