Mental Health Vs The Workplace

Reduce sickness

Can it be reduced?

The rise in mental health issues in the workplace has significantly increased over the past few years. You may be reading this and be one of those people who suffer with their mental health, a friend or family member, or you may have employees who are suffering with their mental health.

Three of the most common are stress, anxiety and depression! 

This has been growing in numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic. ( Data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests the top reasons for absence over the past three years are: For 2022, mental health accounted for 30-35% of absences for women, while for men, it accounted for 28-30%. Musculoskeletal issues were also common among both genders but slightly higher in men (22% for men vs. 18% for women).

‘ Management don’t care ‘ 

‘ They only care about the profit, not us ‘

‘ I’m just a number to them ‘

‘ Its ok for them, they don’t have any issues ‘ 

‘ I don’t know if there’s any support for us normal workers ‘ 

‘ We don’t get any support ‘ 

These are very common statements and comments from workers, I have taken these comments first hand from some recent coaching sessions and feedback forms.

How in 2024, are we still under the impression that the workplace isn’t supporting mental health..

9/10 a business I work with, has the information and the support is there, it might just be a little dated and not showcased well enough.

Here are some tips that can help workplace mental health, that ALL businesses regardless of size can work towards:

  • Regular mental health check ins. A minimum of 1 a month. ( this should be separate to your monthly 1-1 with your team leader / manager )
  • Sign post staff frequently on where they can obtain / seek support for their mental health (most employers have an employee support program) if your business doesn’t have one please contact us today.
  • Have an open door policy from top management down
  • Have a buddy system / and or mental health first aiders
  • Encourage screen breaks
  • Encourage exercise and breaks from screens
  • Staying hydrated
  • Eating a more balanced diet

These tips are accessible and every business can implement some of them straight away.

All businesses are unique, just the members of staff that work there. So there is always going to be a varied approach to each issue that may be raised. So if you are management and you’re not equipped to handle any mental health related issues then it would be strongly suggested that training should be looked into and the investment into the employees considered.

If you think that you could benefit from some workplace training and upskilling on mental health in the workplace then please use the contact form below and pop us a message.

Thanks for reading

Thomas Fowler, Owner of Mind Your Fitness feeding a giraffe.

Thomas Fowler
Owner & Head Coach

Mind Your Fitness 
Train For Your Mental Health

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