It’s Time to Talk: how do we have open conversations about mental health in the workplace?
It’s time to talk.
Back in January, I blew off the cobwebs from my laptop and kickstarted the year with a blog about Blue Monday.
I delved into the challenges January can bring and shared five tips for how employers and HR professionals can support employees through the month. You can catch that blog here.
As we transition into February, it’s crucial to emphasise that mental health support is not just a January tick-box exercise; it’s a year-round commitment.
And, what better time to talk about it than the UK’s Time to Talk Day?
“Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.” - Time to Talk
However, opening up about mental health in a workplace setting can be challenging for many reasons.
Why do we need to talk about mental health at work?
A common counterargument I've encountered is the notion that "mental health isn't for the workplace."
Whether it stems from concerns over reputation, fear of jeopardising one's career, or simply because it's not a top priority, this perspective is not uncommon.
In 2017, only 39% of organisations had policies or systems in place to support employees with common mental health issues (Department for Work and Pensions, 2017)
Whilst there is evidence to suggest things have improved since then, what companies often fail to see is the impact of avoiding conversations about mental health…
Poor wellbeing can lead to…
absence at work
presenteeism (when an employee is constantly present at work despite being unwell)
higher turnover of staff
lower productivity
more mistakes than usual
low motivation and engagement
Mental health problems on average cost companies £65 billion per year (Deloitte, 2022)
Stress, anxiety or depression now account for 17.9 million working days lost in the UK (HSE, 2020)
With that in mind, how do we have open conversations about mental health in the workplace? And, how can employers, HR professionals, and organisations support their employee's mental health?
Five tips for employers, HR professionals, and organisations
The key part about supporting employee mental health is it has to be sustainable. Here are five tips for employers, HR professionals, and organisations:
Promote story sharing: Encourage a culture of storytelling within the organisation, showcasing individuals' experiences and the support systems that have made a difference.
Manager training: According to MHFA England, 33% of managers feel out of their depth in supporting their team. It’s so important that we provide managers with high-quality training so that they feel educated, confident and empowered to navigate and support their teams.
Regular wellbeing check-ins: Have regular check-ins with your team - these need to be consistent and also need to be adaptable, as wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all - these sessions might need to be tailored to the individual or their team.
Prioritise your wellbeing: Remember the "Fit own oxygen mask first" analogy. Leadership is about setting an example. When team members see leaders actively prioritising their wellbeing it encourages a culture where others feel empowered to do the same.
Explore Innovative Support Options: Consider unconventional ways you can support your people. Thinking creatively about additional resources or programmes can contribute to a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing.
By recognising the importance of addressing mental health year-round and implementing sustainable strategic mental health support, we can create healthier work environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. A win-win for everyone and the business.
Head to https://timetotalkday.co.uk/ for more information and resources.
I’m Miriam and I run Reasonful - we offer support to small and medium-sized businesses that are typically facing challenges of rapid growth, talent retention, fast-paced work and constant pressure to deliver results, all whilst wanting to support long-term employee mental health and wellbeing.
We offer workshops, mindfulness classes, wellbeing strategy support and bespoke programmes.
Sign up for our FREE Guide to Building and Sustaining a Culture of Wellbeing to get started today. Click here to find out more.
Or, book a no-obligation 20-minute call to learn more about unleashing your team's potential through strategic mental health initiatives here.