Why employees need an outlet for their mental health and how employers can provide support
On July 24th, it’s ‘Samaritans Awareness Day’ in the UK. This day emphasises the importance of having someone to talk to and reminds us that the Samaritans are always available. As they put it, “We're raising awareness throughout July to let people know that they can talk to us, day or night, 24/7.”
This initiative is so important, not only because everyone needs someone to talk to, but also to encourage open conversations about mental health and support those who are struggling.
For July’s blog, I want to build on the Samaritans' message by talking about the importance of providing employees access to supportive outlets where they can comfortably seek help and look at how employers, leaders, and HR professionals can facilitate this.
Why is supporting employees' mental health important?
According to the World Health Organization (2019), about 1 in 8 people - around 970 million individuals worldwide - are living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common challenges. These conditions not only affect personal wellbeing but also account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability globally, emphasising their widespread impact on society.
Beyond the personal toll, the economic repercussions of untreated mental health conditions are staggering. Productivity losses far surpass the direct costs of treatment and care, highlighting just how big the financial impact is on both businesses and economies.
A mentally healthy workforce is a more productive and engaged one. Employees who feel supported are likely to be more loyal to their company, less prone to burnout, and more satisfied with their jobs. This, in turn, reduces absenteeism, aids retention and boosts overall workplace morale.
Neglecting mental health can lead to serious consequences. Untreated issues can impair performance, increase errors, and stifle creativity. Moreover, a workplace culture that overlooks mental health risks fosters toxicity and higher turnover rates.
Prioritising mental health isn't just the right thing to do - it's a win-win for both employees and employers. If you want to learn more about the ROI of investing in employee wellbeing, read my blog ‘The Business Case for Wellbeing’.
Why is it important to provide an outlet where employees can comfortably seek help?
Talking about mental health in the workplace can be challenging. Many individuals hesitate to open up about their struggles due to fears of stigma or potential repercussions. According to recent research by Mind (2024), 64% of people surveyed admitted to putting on a brave face to avoid discussing their mental health concerns. And, Aviva (2024) found that fewer than 1 in 10 men would tell their employer about their mental health struggles.
Providing an outlet where employees can comfortably seek help creates a safe space for them to express concerns and feelings without judgment. This not only reduces the stigma associated with mental health issues but also encourages more people to seek the support they need.
When employees have access to supportive outlets, they are more likely to address problems early on, preventing minor issues from escalating into major crises.
When employees have access to supportive outlets, they are a bit like gardeners tending to their plants, regularly pruning and nurturing them. By addressing problems early on, they can trim away potential issues before they grow unchecked, much like preventing weeds from overtaking a garden. This proactive approach can lead to better overall mental health, improving the quality of life for employees and enhancing their ability to perform at work.
Additionally, having a designated outlet for support signals to employees that their wellbeing is a priority for the company. This can boost morale and create a more inclusive and supportive work culture, where employees feel valued, understood, and able to reach their full potential.
How can employers facilitate employees having someone to talk to?
Employers, leaders, and HR professionals play a key role in providing essential support for employees. According to a study by Employee Benefits (2024), just 39% of HR decision-makers believe their current wellbeing strategies sufficiently meet the needs of their workforce. This raises the important question - how can employers ensure their employees have access to the support they need?
Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs provide confidential counselling and support services for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues. Research suggests that EAPs are currently being under-utilised (Tianyi Long, 2024). Whilst Reasonful currently doesn’t offer EAP services, there are plenty of companies in the EAP space that are doing exciting and innovative things.
Promote open communication: Creating an environment where open communication is encouraged can help employees feel more comfortable discussing their mental health. Regular check-ins, anonymous feedback channels, and open-door policies can foster this kind of environment.
Provide mental health training: Training for managers and employees on how to recognise and respond to mental health issues can be invaluable. This can include Mental Health First Aid courses or workshops led by mental health professionals.
Create peer support networks: Establishing peer support groups can give employees the opportunity to share their experiences and offer mutual support. These networks can be particularly effective in creating a sense of community and belonging.
Offer flexible work arrangements: Flexible working conditions, such as remote work options, flexible hours, and extended leave policies, can help employees manage stress and maintain a better work-life balance
Regular mental health awareness campaigns: Regularly scheduled campaigns can keep mental health at the forefront of workplace culture. These campaigns can include seminars, workshops, and activities that promote mental wellbeing.
Signposting support: Ensure easy access to external mental health support resources like Samaritans, Mind, CALM, and others in the UK, and 988 Lifeline or NAMI in the US. Make sure these resources are prominently displayed and known to all employees. It’s important that managers and leaders feel comfortable promoting them.
Samaritans Awareness Day is a reminder of the need for accessible mental health support and a reminder that employers can and should play a key role in providing employees with outlets to seek help. But implementing and maintaining a successful mental health strategy can be overwhelming.
If you feel unsure about how to proceed or that you could be doing more, don't hesitate to reach out for further support. I'm here to provide guidance and resources to support your journey toward promoting mental health and wellbeing in your organisation.
A Samaritans poster shows the message: “Remember, you are never alone. Samaritans are here to listen 24/7. You can call them any time for free on 116 123.”
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 mental health workshops, mindfulness classes, wellbeing strategy support and bespoke programmes.
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