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Did you know…
Source:
How common are mental health problems? – Mind
Mental health statistics · MHFA England
Mental health is defined as “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.”
Mental health conditions include stress, depression, anxiety and rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Everyone has mental health. Some people have good mental health and some people have poor mental health. Just like our physical health, we need to take care of our mental health.
Mental health is being talked about more and more, especially after a global pandemic and a worrying UK economy. These external factors outside of our control have both heightened, and caused, poor mental health.
Physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. If you take care of your physical health by eating well, sleeping well and exercising regularly, then your mental health is likely to improve, as you feel better about yourself.
If employees have poor mental health this can have a serious detrimental impact on the workplace as people are less likely to perform as well as they could and things like absenteeism are likely to increase. A healthy, happy workforce is crucial to the success of a business. Remember, it’s a two-way street and a large chunk of the success of your business will depend on your employees, so looking after their mental health and wellbeing should be a priority.
• Working long hours/ working through their lunch break • Tiredness (yawning or drinking more coffee than usual) • Increased lateness/absenteeism • Not joining in with office conversations • Lack of interest in their work • Failing to meet deadlines • Short-tempered and/or irritable • Changes in mood/sudden anger/aggression • Disruptive behaviour • More accident prone than usual Getting to know your team members on an individual basis means you can spot any changes in their behaviour which may indicate poor mental health, more easily. Early intervention can then take place which could be life-saving in some circumstances.
• Have an open conversation – make it the norm. Ask ‘how are you’ and when you receive ‘fine’, ask ‘how are you’ again. Asking twice is more likely to get the real answer if someone isn’t really ‘fine’! • Listen to understand. You’re not a qualified Mental Health Counsellor, and that is ok, no-one is expecting you to be. You also don’t have to provide a solution, sometimes, people just want to be heard and know that you’re listening so you can understand their situation and empathise. • Know what health-related employee benefits your company offers and promote them (i.e. Health cash plans, Employee Assistance Programmes, Gym discounts, Private Medical Insurance schemes). Men especially, are much more likely to utilise support services that their manager has suggested, as opposed to initiating the support request themselves! • Be aware of external sources and promote them (NHS, Mind.org, Samaritans). • Allow time off to attend any appointments. Follow up with them on their return, ask how it went and is there anything you as their Manager/employer can do to help them?
• Provide engaging training to all staff (including Managers). A recent study led by Lancet Psychiatry found that mental health training programmes lead to a significant reduction in work-related sickness absence, with an associated return on investment of £9.98 for each pound spent on such training! • Make ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ as much of a priority as ‘Fire Marshalls’ and ‘First Aiders! • Know what health-related employee benefits your company offers and promote them (i.e. Health cash plans, Employee Assistance Programmes, Gym discounts, Private Medical Insurance schemes). Men especially, are much more likely to utilise support services that their manager has suggested, as opposed to initiating the support request themselves!
There isn’t a specific definition. The term may be used to talk about how we feel or how well we're coping with daily life at that moment. Poor mental wellbeing can make coping with daily life difficult.
• Relax and minimise stress, wherever possible. • Take up a hobby, a creative one like drawing or colouring can be particularly useful. • Connect with nature – go for a walk around their local greenspace and take it all in. • Connect with others – arrange a catch-up coffee with a friend. • Look after your physical health – even going for a brisk 30 minute walk every day can really help. • Try to get enough sleep – between 6-8 hours per night.
It’s important that we understand the culture of all our clients so we can tailor HR solutions appropriate to you.
By becoming a true extension of your business, we can provide the right HR services that are beneficial for your business.
More than just an employment advice service, we look at the full picture for our clients, meaning you have a one stop shop should you require it.
Smart, sharp and savvy - you’ll struggle to find a better team of experts than at Peach Law.
Our holistic attitude to HR and law is what sets us apart from the competition. We believe we get the best results through active personal involvement.
Qualified experts on hand for a fixed rate, providing your business with certainty of cost and for complete peace of mind.
Every member of the team has an extensive background and unrivalled experience within the sector.
You’ll only ever speak to the senior individuals working on your account. You’ll get the information you need, when you need it.
We’re welcoming and receptive during what is undoubtedly a stressful time.