Weve experienced first hand what happens when you dont look after
your mental health in the workplace. Plus, it means youll likely be less
productive and, over time, it could lead to burnout. Some, but not all,
of these symptoms are similar to those of coronavirus. Not only could
such programs reduce healthcare costs across the board, they could also
improve productivity and make a positive impact on employees lives.
Despite mental health problems being so prominent in young people, most
are not receiving treatment.
However there are some more
practical steps you can take as an employer to help your employees
financial situation PAY THEM ON TIME - it goes without saying that this
will help employees manage their finances. This loss of workplace
performance often results from some of the symptoms and complications of
these mental health problems including reduced attention span, fatigue,
poor decision making and time management abilities, and distorted
communication. Discussing
workplace wellbeing initiatives
can be a good way to alleviate a difficult situation. Theres a lot of
pressure on those roles, concedes Fitzpatrick. It is welcomed when we
need a little flexibility from our usual working routine. Mental health
issues are prevalent and treatable and/or manageable.
Or we
might speed up or become chaotic, intruding into others conversations
and work, and taking on more work than we can manage. People cannot be
expected to speak out if they are in a hostile environment. Set up a
thank you wall in your office filled with post it notes, offer to help
at your local care home or community centre, or set up a workplace
allotment and grow your own veg. If you are a manager then
dealing with depression at work
is a subject that you will be aware of. Our mood is affected by
chemicals in the body. Many businesses function online in some capacity,
operating a client relationship that is dependent on social
communication and status updates to generate reputation, new connections
and eCommerce.
There is a relative lack of research focusing
on this relationship within workplace settings in developing countries.
Being a Mental Health First Aider doesnt qualify you to provide therapy
to someone who may need it. If a person hasnt been performing as well as
usual, they may feel guilty or fearful about it. Working from home has
many benefits including greater flexibility, fewer interruptions leading
to greater productivity and improved employee retention. Recent reports
have discovered a crisis around
managing and supporting mental health at work today. There are options for you to get your body moving, whatever your ability.
We have a wide range of legal rights that protect our mental health at
work. Its critical we offer a safe place for people to speak up and
offer the right support choices. When you share whats weighing heavy on
your mind you will feel some relief at having someone else know the
trutheven if the issue isnt immediately resolved. Even just a brisk walk
in the morning will energize and motivate you for the day ahead. Mental
health issues are important in the workplace; it is said that one in
six people in employment are having mental health problems at any one
time. You might not be talking about it, because
mental health first aid in the workplace is still a taboo subject.
Your universities wellbeing service is an excellent place to start. In
addition, some workers may be facing job insecurity or working reduced
hours, and trying to manage financial pressures that accompany both
scenarios. Offering a more flexible working arrangement can be an
adjustment for someone who is returning from work following mental ill
health, and it can also help to prevent stress if someone wants a better
work-life balance to suit their individual circumstances. Innovations
in wearable technologies that help workers with anxiety, bipolar
disorders, and depression have gained popularity in workplace wellness
programs. However, once an HR professional is told on the record that an
employee is under emotional distress, they are required by law to
address the issue.
While mental health is now being talked
about much more openly in society, but is this translating to the
workplace? While the UK population is starting to make more use of
mental health services, employees are still nervous admitting to
experiencing a mental health issue may affect their career progression. A
reaction to a difficult life event, such as bereavement, can make
workplace mental health
higher on the agenda. With so much change and uncertainty, it is
understandable that you may be feeling a little worried, low, or
stressed. A disability covers serious long-term health conditions and
includes mental health conditions and illnesses that are controlled by
medication or treatment. As Time to Change and Mind both say, one in
four people experience a mental health illness in any given year. CHG
Healthcares employees, as well as their families, can take advantage of
free mental and physical health services at the companys on-site clinic.
Talk about issues and challenges openly, at any time and at
all management levels to prevent stigmatization from the outset. If you
manage a team, make sure that your team has lots of opportunities to
tell you if this new way of working is going ok. Show them that you
understand how serious mental health issues are, and that you know they
cant just be happy or snap out of it. Like traditional first aid, Mental
Health First Aid does not teach people to treat or diagnose mental
health or substance use conditions. There has to be an integrative
joined up approach that is both ongoing and supportive but also
proactive in preventing mental health conditions appearing or
reappearing.