Business | Top Tips


Mental Health UK’s 2024 Burnout Report shows one in five UK workers had to take time off due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress in the past year. But under a third of working adults said their workplace had plans in place to help spot signs of chronic stress. So what can be done about that?


Mind the gap 1.


3. REGULARLY


RECOGNISE HARD WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS


There are many great ways to show staff that they’re valued. ‘Colleague champion’ style awards highlight great work throughout the year, while long service awards celebrate the value of long-term commitment to an organisation. Celebrating individual successes such as new qualifications and out-of-the-ordinary achievements shows team members that they are valued for effort both inside and outside work. Celebrations like these are a positive


way to bring colleagues together, but it doesn’t only have to be the stand- out events that are celebrated. In fact, showing daily appreciation means a lot - saying ‘thanks for your help today’, even if the day has been nothing out of the ordinary, shows how effort is always noticed.


DO YOU HAVE ALL THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED TO ENSURE YOUR WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY IS ON TRACK? WITH THIS YEAR’S WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, ON 10 OCTOBER, ANNOUNCING ‘IT’S TIME TO PRIORITISE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE’, THE PRINTING CHARITY PROVIDES TIMELY GUIDELINES TO HELP YOU DO JUST THAT.


MAKE WORKPLACE WELLBEING A MUST


Over a third (35%) of the UK’s employees do not feel comfortable raising concerns about high or extreme levels of workplace pressure or stress according to Mental Health UK’s 2024 Burnout Report, yet, supporting employee mental wellbeing doesn’t necessarily require significant changes, high levels of investment, or dramatic gestures. The first vital step is to recognise a need to support your workforce mentally as well as physically, and to understand that there are some straightforward steps that can be taken.


2. 4.


MAKE ROOM FOR WELLBEING


Dedicated, comfortable spaces, different to the normal office environment, where people can spend time during the working day, emphasise a company’s commitment to the fact that taking breaks from work matters. This could be anywhere from a renovated kitchen or a comfy seating area to, where feasible, a room dedicated to wellbeing. What matters is creating a quiet safe space for team members to head to when they need to take a moment for themselves, or need a place to talk openly, in confidence. Making information about support resources easily available within this environment ensures that team members also know where to go when they need to get hold of that information.


ENABLE COMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS


A workplace culture that encourages open conversations about mental wellbeing is a truly positive thing, enabling staff to bring their whole selves to work and thrive. However, half of the respondents from a recent Mental Health UK survey felt that their workplace has “a culture which does not actively encourage people to talk about mental health”. Employers can start the ball rolling by providing training to help people start conversations. Mind runs a free online ‘Conversations in the Community’ course aimed at helping build people’s confidence to have everyday conversations about mental health and wellbeing. A workplace culture of open and honest


conversation can also be built by seeking and actioning team feedback, showing staff that their views are being heard. This could be through formal surveys or more casual conversation. An open-door policy, where people make time to listen when needed, is also effective.


5.


AN INCREASING NUMBER OF BUSINESSES ARE CHOOSING TO TRAIN EMPLOYEES AS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS (MHFAS), A VITAL FIRST LINE OF COMPANY SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FACING CHALLENGES


16 | October/November 2024


BRING RELAXATION INTO THE WORKPLACE


Every workplace experiences pressure from time to time. Therefore, incorporating into working time activities that lessen stress always helps. These could be yoga sessions or massages, or even just having music on in the office - of course making sure the playlist is on rotation, so there’s something for everyone!


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