Supporting Mental Health at Work – The signs and conversations to encourage wellbeing in the workplace

Employers must make efforts to support the mental health of their employees because it is a crucial component of overall wellbeing. The workplace can be a significant source of stress, which can harm mental health. Understanding the warning signals of poor mental health and having honest conversations about it can assist in enhancing workplace wellbeing.

The signs of poor mental health can vary, but some common indicators include the following:

• Many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress, can manifest as difficulty focusing or finishing tasks. This may show itself as a worker who struggles to begin or complete duties or is often side tracked. This could also indicate burnout, which occurs when a person feels worn out and unable to handle their job responsibilities.
• Changes in physical appearance, such as poor grooming, can also indicate mental health issues. This may indicate stress, worry, or depression and suggest that an employee might be finding it difficult to care for themselves.
• Increased tardiness or absenteeism may also be an indicator of workplace mental health issues. This could be a symptom that a worker is having trouble managing their time and obligations or that they are having trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
• Mood swings, such as impatience or tearfulness, may indicate mental health issues at work. It may be challenging for employees to communicate with co workers or finish tasks when they exhibit sadness, anxiety, or tension symptoms.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what may be causing stress for one person may not be a problem for another. The key is to listen actively and without judgment and to provide support and guidance compassionately.

As an employer, you are legally obligated to supporting mental health at work. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which can include mental health issues, according to the UK’s Equality Act of 2010.

Employers can foster a positive work environment by implementing rules and practices that promote mental health. This can involve things like making counselling services available, encouraging a good work-life balance, and fostering frank and open discussions about mental health.

For help and guidance into supporting mental health at work, please get in touch.