No matter what size your business you can and should be doing something about mental health.
85% said their mental wellbeing had not been among their employer’s priorities during the pandemic[1].
Many people have lost their jobs, others are under pressure to do more. People working from home don’t always have the right work spaces or equipment and many are having to find a balance between their work and personal responsibilities – particularly parents and carers. Combine this with feelings of isolation, fears about catching COVID and financial insecurity it’s hardly surprising the UK has a mental health problem.
Thirty-five per cent of the 1,500 staff polled said their mental health was now worse than before the virus arrived in the UK .[2]
The impact of mental health problems at work has serious implications serious for as individuals but also for employers’ in terms of productivity and profitability. That’s why it makes sense for every employers to make mental health part of their COVID (recovery) strategy.
More than half (56%) of employees haven’t received any mental health support or training from their employer since Covid-19 hit, with many saying their mental wellbeing has deteriorated[3].
Managers play a critical role in supporting employee mental health – the way people are managed is one of the main causes of work-related stress. You don’t need to spend money or be a mental health expert to make a difference.
So as a manager what can you do?
1. Lead by example.
Actively encourage people to adopt healthy work habits i.e. work sensible hours, take proper and full lunch breaks and take time off. And practice what you preach.
2. Build your confidence about mental health.
You don’t need to be an expert but you do need to know some of the basics so you can be confident you are doing the right things. Make sure you know what to do if someone tells you that they have a problem. This may include helping them address work related issues, encouraging them to see their GP and if you have them making them aware of mental health first aiders and or employee assistance helplines.
3. Make talking about mental health normal
Touch base regularly with your employees to check how they’re getting on and think about what might be causing them stress.
31% said they were having fewer one-to-one discussions with their manager than before the pandemic[4].
If you regularly ask people how they are and take an interest in them inside and outside of work they are more likely to trust and confide in you.
Have regular face to face or virtual conversations with your people and make mental health part of your discussion. Let them ask questions and raise any issues about home as well as work.
Ask questions to check how people are doing:
- How are you doing at the moment?
- You seem to be a bit down/upset/ under pressure/frustrated/angry. Is everything okay?
- I’ve noticed you’ve been arriving late recently and I wondered if you’re okay?
- I’ve noticed (your work) is late when it’s not usually. Is everything okay?
Discuss well-being in team meetings – encourage everyone to talk openly about how they are feeling and what factors are affecting them. If you carry out an employee survey use the findings to start the conversation and as a catalyst for making improvements.
4. Connect people
Connecting with others supports good mental health and you should try to bring people together on a regular basis virtually and face to face where possible.
As well as work-related meetings, consider social get togethers – taking part should be optional.
5. Review workloads
Be sensitive to the fact that people may not be as productive as they may have been and consider if you should adjust your expectations
6. Promote learning
Treat people with respect , recognise and praise their efforts and (good) work, coach and offer support if there are skills gaps. Learning can boost well-being and provide employees with a sense of achievement.
7. Look after yourself
Recognise that the pandemic has made, and continues to make increased demands of you. It’s important for you to look after your own mental health as well as support others.
- Seek support for your own mental health if you need it
- Prioritise self-care activities
- Take regular breaks and time off
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of poor mental health and apply it to yourself.
Here’s a couple of resources you may find helpful:
https://www.mind.org.uk/media-a/4665/mind_and_fsb_employers_guide.pdf
https://www.mind.org.uk/media-a/4661/resource4.pdf
[1] TalkOut Survey of 1500 employees September 2020
[2] TalkOut Survey of 1500 employees September 2020
[3] TalkOut Survey of 1500 employees September 2020
[4] TalkOut Survey of 1500 employees September 2020