Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of employees has become a crucial aspect of building a successful and sustainable business. Companies that invest in creating a holistic mental health and wellbeing programme not only demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare but also reap the benefits of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced employee satisfaction. Here we explore the importance of such programmes, back them up with recent UK-based statistics, and provide actionable steps to help you implement a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing initiative within your organisation.
The Importance of Employee Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental health issues affect a significant portion of the working population, causing personal distress and hindering productivity.
- 30% of staff say they wouldn’t feel able to talk openly with their line manager if feeling stressed (Source: Mind)
- 41% of employees experience poor mental health that is work related with the leading causes being excessive pressure, workload and long hours (Source: BITC)
According to recent 2022 research by Deloitte conducted in the UK, mental health problems cost UK businesses an estimated £56 billion per year in lost productivity and absenteeism, an increase of 25% since 2019. These statistics clearly highlight the need for proactive measures to support employee mental health and wellbeing. Evidence shows that organisations that address employee health and wellbeing see higher retention rates, better health outcomes, and a boost in productivity.
Building a Holistic Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme
- Foster a Positive and Supportive Organisational Culture: Creating an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and supported is fundamental. Encourage open communication, provide resources for stress management, and promote work-life balance. Include and involve staff throughout the business in wellbeing decision-making through ‘wellbeing champions’, and through employee forums to educate employees on what mental health and wellbeing means in practice.
- Raise Awareness and Destigmatise Mental Health: Educate employees about mental health, its impact, and available resources. Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions to promote mental health literacy and break down the stigma surrounding it.
- Implement Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): EAPs offer confidential counselling and support services to employees dealing with personal or work-related challenges. Partner with reputable EAP providers to offer comprehensive mental health support.
- Provide Flexible Working Arrangements: Offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and reasonable workload distribution can help employees manage their work-life balance more effectively, reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Promote Physical Wellbeing: Encourage regular physical activity, and provide access to fitness facilities, or subsidised gym memberships. Physical exercise has proven benefits for mental health, reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Train Managers and Supervisors: Equip managers with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of mental distress, support struggling employees, and create a supportive work environment. Implement regular check-ins and performance reviews that include discussions about wellbeing.
Workshops and coaching programmes can support managers to build more resilient teams, enabling them to be better able to deal with the pressures of work and improve their performance and can also providing individuals with the skills and knowledge to improve their own resilience.
Investing in the mental health and wellbeing of your employees not only demonstrates your commitment to their welfare but also yields tangible benefits for your business. By implementing a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing programme, you can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, enhance employee satisfaction, and create a positive workplace culture. Start today and prioritise the mental health of your employees, for a brighter and more prosperous future for your business.
How we can help
To learn more about creating a holistic mental health and wellbeing programme, contact us to discuss how we can support with this. Together we can create a workplace where mental health and wellbeing are valued and nurtured.
