How can Employers support the Mental Health of their employees?

#WorldMentalHealthDay

Today is World Mental Health Day, this is 'trending' throughout all media outlets which is sending a positive message about considering and talking about our own mental health. I hope that as an employer, it is making you consider your current strategies of supporting the mental well-being of your workforce. 

What can you do to provide support for the mental well being of your team?

Have you considered having a Mental Health First Aider?

Britain is training record numbers of workplace “mental health first aiders” to confront a sharp rise in people expressing mental distress, though evidence of success is mixed, according to a Guardian study.

What is the role of a Mental Health First Aider?

The mental health first aider will be available to help guide the person in distress to the relevant help that they need. They will also have the relevant knowledge to be able to spot someone who is developing a mental health issue. They will, therefore, be able to intervene before it escalates  

Did you know?

Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest cause of sickness absence in our society. Mental ill health is responsible for 91 million working days lost every year. The Centre for Mental Health estimates that mental ill health costs UK employers £34.9 billion each year, but simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace will allow employers to save 30% or more of these costs.  

I hope #WorldMentalHealthDay has succeeded and provoked you to stop and review the current support offered to your work force or perhaps you are now considering having a Mental Health First Aider.

It certainly is food for thought.