Awareness and investment in mental health services have significantly increased over recent years. But the stigma around admitting to mental health struggles remains a common issue. This can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Impacting various aspects of their lives, including their work. Work environments can sometimes exacerbate these issues or even contribute to their development. Employers have a duty of care to recognise and support employees facing mental health challenges.
Understanding the Impact of Mental Health Issues
Mental health conditions can affect an individual's behaviour, feelings, thoughts, and overall mood. These effects extend into their home, personal, and work lives. For employers, it is important to identify the signs that an employee might be struggling with their mental health. Early detection and support can make a significant difference in managing these issues.
Signs That an Employee May Be Struggling with Mental Health
Change in Physical Appearance:
When an individual is struggling mentally, maintaining their basic appearance can become challenging. Look for changes such as wearing dirty or unironed clothes and neglecting personal grooming habits like hair or makeup.
Inconsistent Behaviour:
Noticeable shifts in behaviour, such as mood swings, extreme emotions, or unusual highs and lows, can indicate mental health issues.
Absence and Timekeeping Issues:
Increased absences, lateness, and taking more sick days than usual can be signs of mental health struggles. Employees may also avoid interactions with coworkers.
Changes in Behaviour Patterns:
Although sleep pattern changes aren't visible at work, alterations in eating habits or other noticeable routine changes can be indicators.
Difficulty in Focusing:
A decrease in productivity, difficulty concentrating, and trouble completing previously simple tasks can signal mental health issues.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
Employers play a key role in creating a supportive environment that addresses mental health proactively.
Here are ways to support your employees:
- Regular and meaningful check-ins can help employees feel connected and supported, even in remote work settings.
- Equip managers and employees with the skills to recognise and support mental health issues. Offer on-site training to support wellbeing awareness.
- Encourage practices that promote self-awareness and stress management, improving overall work-life balance.
- Provide easily accessible online mental health services to offer immediate support for those in need. Accessing counselling and therapy through the NHS can mean long wait times. Giving your employees access to virtual support means they have more direct access.
- Create an environment where discussing mental health is normalised and support is readily available.
- Try offering your employees tools and support they can use in and out of work. such as Thrive Mental Wellbeing. This gives your team instant mental wellbeing support, direct to their mobile phone.
A Mental Health-First Workplace
By integrating these benefits into your employee wellbeing strategy, you can take positive steps toward reducing stress and burnout while enhancing team morale and creating a supportive, productive work environment. At Health Shield, we are committed to being your trusted partner in health and wellbeing. We work with you to make sure your team has the resources they need to thrive both physically and mentally.
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