The importance of mental health awareness at work

Did you know that mental health issues are a leading cause of absenteeism, resulting in millions of workdays lost each year? A recent study, based on a YouGov poll of 2,060 adults, found that an astounding 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year. This stress led to one in five workers (20%) in the UK needing to take time off work during that period.

This data reveals a growing challenge, with 81% of workers reporting that workplace stress affects their mental health in 2022, and 78% in 2021. Another recent report by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives found that around 300,000 people aged between 16 to 64 with a work-limiting health condition leave the workforce each year. Mental health issues were highlighted to be the key driver for the overall increase, with figures doubling between 2013 and 2023.

These statistics show the urgent need to prioritise mental health awareness in workplaces. With increased pressures and demands, it’s vital that businesses focus on their employees’ mental wellbeing. By doing so, they can create a healthier work environment with happier, more productive employees.

 

Why is mental health awareness important?

Impact on employee wellbeing and productivity

The link between mental health and productivity is clear. When employees feel supported in their mental health, they’re more engaged, motivated, and less likely to experience burnout. By tackling mental health issues, businesses can lower absenteeism and presenteeism (you know, being at work but not fully present) and boost productivity. Cultivating a supportive work environment means you’ll unlock the full potential of your workforce, leading to better performance and satisfaction.

Reducing stigma and promoting a supportive environment

Creating a space where we can speak openly about mental health is super important. By reducing the stigma tied to mental health issues, we empower employees to get the help they need without worrying about being judged. This approach not only boosts individual wellbeing but also nurtures a culture of empathy and understanding.Encouraging open discussions about mental health can lead to early intervention and support.

Building a supportive workforce

Looking after mental health and catching issues early is key for creating a strong and resilient workforce. By spotting signs of mental distress quickly, you can offer the right support to prevent these issues from becoming big problems. This proactive approach helps to keep everyone healthy, happy, and productive. By focusing on early intervention, you’re able to create a supportive environment for everyone.

 

Key workplace mental health initiatives

According to The UK Voice of Employee Assistance, during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, 347,000 more employees turned to support from Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) compared to previous years. The use of these programmes has since grown, with a recent study from EAPA UK finding that 70% of respondents accessed an EAP due to workplace stress. EAPs are important in supporting mental health at work. These programmes offer confidential counselling services, resources, and support for employees dealing with personal or professional challenges. By providing access to EAPs, employers show they’re committed to looking after their team’s wellbeing.

Offering courses on mental health awareness is another great way to arm employees and managers with the know-how to spot and tackle mental health issues. This not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the overall organisational culture.

Additionally, developing policies and practices that promote mental health is essential for creating a supportive work environment. By introducing flexible work arrangements and mental health days, this helps to support a healthy work-life balance and also shows employees that you genuinely care about their well-being. These initiatives signal to employees that their mental health is valued and supported.

 

Implementing mental health programmes

Not sure where to get started? Kick off with a bit of careful planning to understand the specific needs of your team. Employers should complete a needs assessment to pinpoint the specific mental health challenges their team faces. Once you’ve got this information on hand, you can create a tailored programmes that truly hit the mark.

Regular check-ins and feedback are key to seeing how these mental health programmes are doing. By keeping an eye on their effectiveness, employers can tweak and improve them as needed. This ongoing process ensures that mental health initiatives stay fresh and genuinely helpful for everyone involved.

Mental health awareness at work is super important. Creating a space that values mental health can lead to a supportive and productive workplace.

 

Learn more about our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Boost your employees’ mental resilience and productivity with Citation’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offered in partnership with Bupa. This programme provides 24/7 access to confidential support, addressing a range of issues from emotional wellbeing and stress to practical advice on personal matters. With our EAP, you’ll get:

• Unlimited access to support from our qualified experts
• Emotional wellbeing support on relationships, bereavement, stress and anxiety
• Practical advice on money management, landlord disputes, divorce and parenting
• Online guidance videos, articles and tools to help support you
• Engagement materials to promote our services

Discover more about our Health & Safety services and how we can support you and your team today! Contact us for more information.