Mental Health Awareness Week, 18-24th May 2020.
This year’s theme is Kindness
The campaign launched by the Mental Health Foundation has been transformational in recent times. It has helped to reduce the stigma and feelings of isolation which surround the issues of poor mental health.
However, in the current circumstances, people’s mental health is a significant concern for everyone, but especially for employers who are already struggling with the financial, logistical and absence issues which have been significant since lockdown.
Promoting Good Mental Health during a Pandemic
The cost associated with mental health issues in the workplace is significant. According to the Stevenson and Farmer Review ‘Thriving at Work’ published in 2017, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/658145/thriving-at-work-stevenson-farmer-review.pdf
The annual cost to businesses in the UK is between £33 billion and £42 billion.
This huge bill is only likely to increase this year, so what can you do to reduce the impact on your business?
While the challenge is greater in the current circumstances; remote working, global pandemic, unemployment fears and an unstable economy, the need to address mental health at work has become critical.
The stats below will give you an idea of the scale of the problem.
- 1 in 6 people experience mental health problems in the workplace.
- Women in full-time positions are twice as likely to suffer from a common mental health problem as full-time men.
- Evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions.
Statistics are from the Mental Health Foundation Website. www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Recognising the Signs and Stepping In
Acknowledging there is an issue isn’t always easy; People don’t pretend to be sad or depressed; they pretend to be happy – with a smile. They become experts at covering it up, but the signs are there.
- Regular sick days with no specific symptoms
- Reduced productivity
- Lack of interest where previously there was a good morale
- Frustration or quick to anger
- Isolation and choosing not to participate in optional social events
- Presenteeism through fear or anxiety
- Increased drinking or addictive behaviours (especially with remote working)
Taking Action
It’s essential to recognise that everyone’s mental health is likely to be suffering right now, so it’s an uphill task, and while your intentions may be good it’s hard to know where to begin.
Here are a few top tips to get the conversation started.
- Listen: sometimes, all people want to do is talk and be heard: really-heard. So take the time to check-in with people and ask ‘how are you doing?’.
Be mindful of the statutory ‘I’m fine,’ answer and have a few other open questions up your sleeve: ‘how are you spending your weekends?’ ‘What can I do to help support you?’ ‘What’s it like for you juggling family and work-life under one roof?’ - Stay in Touch: If you think a colleague needs additional support, then check in more regularly. Be clear you aren’t checking up or calling about work but simply that you want to help.
- Routine: A routine really helps individuals to put some structure into their day. It means they need to get up, get dressed and show up. Build into the remote working day/week regular points to check-in, deliver work and have team meetings. If you begin to see cracks in their routine, then you know there may be a problem.
- No judgement, no criticism: It’s hard when you’re running a business, but if you can offer understanding instead of judgement, it can help significantly in their recovery.
- Offer help: There are lots of resources and organisations that can help, including MIND, the Samaritans, Rethink and Saneline (all found online).
- Practical Help: While it won’t solve the problem, practical help can alleviate some of the pressure for struggling employees. For example, you may consider: short-term financial support, offering paid leave, reducing their workload or working part-time rather than full-time.
- Counselling & Support: If your company offers private health care employees may be able to access private counselling – check with your provider. Many consultants provide phone, zoom or skype chats.
At SFB Consulting, we know first hand the challenges employers are facing right now. We talk to people every day struggling with the impact of poor mental health. Our advice is always the same; start with good communication and routine. They will help you to create a firm foundation on which to build, grow and flourish.
If you’d like to chat about dealing with absenteeism in your business, call us today on 01279 874676 or visit our website at www.sfb-consulting.com