Why Supporting Employee Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace is Good for Business
A mentally fit workplace is good for business. What are the benefits of supporting and encouraging better employee mental wellbeing for businesses and individuals?
Employee well-being is crucial to any successful business, yet it is often overlooked. In the UK, a staggering 70% of employees report experiencing some form of work-related stress, leading to decreased productivity and higher absenteeism.
The latest UK mental health statistics highlight the urgent need for companies to do more to prioritise their employees’ mental health and well-being. While waitlists for mental health services continue to grow, the reality remains that many people are struggling in silence. In addition, businesses feel the pressure as the cost of living goes up, and budgets are cut, which often means mental health and employee well-being resources are put on the chopping block.
However, now is the time to increase your company’s mental health and well-being initiatives, not reduce them.
Organisations can transform how everyone shows up for their colleagues so no one suffers daily on their own. When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health with others, they’re less likely to become disengaged or withdraw.
Additionally, when an employee needs additional support in troubling times, employers must equip themselves with the right skills to recognise the early warning signs and be confident enough to encourage professional help where necessary. When employers and leaders invest in creating a supportive and healthy workplace environment, businesses can enhance their employees’ happiness and job satisfaction and improve their bottom line.
Seven reasons to support employee mental wellbeing in 2023:
- Improved employee mental health: Mental health training can help employees identify and manage symptoms of common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. This can lead to improved mental well-being and reduced absenteeism.
- Increased productivity: A mentally healthy workforce is more engaged and productive, leading to improved performance and increased efficiency.
- Better teamwork: Mental health training can promote a supportive work environment and encourage open communication, improving teamwork and collaboration.
- Reduced stress levels: Mental health training can teach employees coping strategies to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.
- Improved retention: Providing mental health support shows employees that their well-being is valued, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.
- Enhanced reputation: Companies prioritising mental health are considered socially responsible and attractive to potential employees and customers.
- Cost savings: Providing mental health support can reduce healthcare costs associated with mental health issues and improve overall productivity.
How can businesses support employee mental well-being?
Enrol one person (or multiple people if you have a big team) to become your Mental Health advocate. It is common for businesses to have a person who employees can visit in case of a physical medical issue. Still, many overlook the need for an employee with the training to talk to people struggling with mental health.
By providing peer-to-peer network support within your organisation, you create an environment where individuals can feel more comfortable discussing their work issues.
Mental health awareness training helps everyone, from employers to executive leaders, learn the tools for providing a mentally healthy workplace that is good for business. At the very least, an appointed mental health first aider should be a business priority. This person will need the training to have confident conversations about mental health without feeling like they may overstep their boundaries. Finding that line between offering support and solutions can be more straightforward with training led by mental health professionals.
Talk to Onebright today about bespoke mental health training services for your organisation.
