7 Ways to Enhance Mental Health at Work: A Guide for UK Employees
In today’s fast-paced and demanding environments, prioritising mental health at work is more crucial than ever.
With stress levels on the rise, it’s imperative for employees to foster a supportive and nurturing atmosphere within the workplace. From financial education to mental wellbeing initiatives, here are seven strategies to promote mental health at work.
1. Increase Financial Education
Financial stress can significantly impact mental wellbeing. 86% of respondents to a survey said that 86% of respondents to a Money and Mental Health survey of nearly 5,500 people with experience of mental health problems said that their financial situation had made their mental health problems worse.
Offering financial education workshops or seminars can empower employees to better manage their finances, alleviate stress, and improve overall mental health.
Topics may include budgeting, saving for retirement, understanding taxes, and managing debt effectively. By providing employees with the tools and knowledge to navigate their financial landscape, employers can contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce.
Planned Future are workplace financial and mental wellbeing education experts. You can request a free agenda of our workshops here.
2. Mental Wellbeing Education
Mental health awareness and education are essential components of creating a supportive work environment. Employers can organize training sessions or bring in experts to educate employees about common mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Providing information on coping strategies, self-care practices, and accessing mental health resources can empower individuals to prioritize their mental wellbeing. Additionally, fostering open conversations about mental health reduces stigma and encourages employees to seek support when needed.
3. Flexible Working Arrangements
Offering flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can help employees better manage their work-life balance and reduce stress.
Flexibility allows individuals to adapt their work schedules to accommodate personal commitments, appointments, or periods of increased stress.
By granting employees more control over how and when they work, employers demonstrate trust and support for their wellbeing.
4. Promote Physical Activity for better Mental Health at Work
Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental wellbeing and mental health at work.
Encourage employees to incorporate movement into their daily routines by providing access to subsidised gym memberships, organising group exercise classes, or promoting walking meetings. The Planned Future team are embarking on a sponsored walk to raise money for MQ Mental Health Research – a great way to stay active for a good cause.
Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves mood, contributing to a more positive work environment.
5. Encourage Breaks and Time Off
Chronic overwork and burnout can have detrimental effects on mental health.
Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day and utilise their allocated annual leave. Implement policies that discourage presenteeism and prioritise the importance of rest and relaxation.
By fostering a culture that values work-life balance and acknowledges the importance of downtime, employers can prevent exhaustion and promote mental resilience.
6. Create a Supportive Culture
Cultivate a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and encourages open communication. Provide platforms for employees to share their experiences, concerns, and successes related to mental health. Implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer confidential counselling and support services. Train managers to recognise signs of mental distress and provide appropriate support and resources to employees in need.
Taking action to support the wellbeing of neurodiverse employees can also go a long way to ensuring a co-operative and efficient team. Learn more about neurodiversity in the workplace in our blog.
7. Follow B Corp Guidance
Excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations can contribute to stress and anxiety among employees. Encourage effective workload management by setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and delegating responsibilities where appropriate. Regularly review workloads to ensure they are manageable and provide support or additional resources when necessary. By promoting a balanced workload, employers can reduce stress levels and foster a healthier work environment.
In conclusion, promoting mental health at work requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of employees’ lives. By incorporating financial education, mental wellbeing initiatives, and other supportive strategies, employers can create a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and supports the overall wellbeing of their workforce. Investing in mental health at work not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to increased productivity, morale, and retention rates.