It’s a subject widely discussed – the now famous Stevenson/Farmer report Thriving at Work finding 15 per cent of employees have displayed at least one symptom of a mental health condition, the wide-ranging effect of mental ill health is clear to see.

But, as an employer, how do you help your employees care for themselves?

The same report offered some help, making recommendations for employers in how to drive good mental wellbeing in the workplace.

These are:

• developing and communicating a mental health at work plan

• building awareness of mental health among employees

• encouraging open conversations about mental health and the support available

• ensuring employees have a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for development

promoting effective people management

WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO

With signposting to early intervention key in reducing the impact of a mental health issue, many employers can utilise the services they have available to employees in the form of employee assistance programmes – either standalone, via group risk products or group healthcare.

NEEDS MUST

Organisations need to take the issue of mental wellbeing seriously.

They should invest in training for staff and help affected employees find assistance through both employee benefit and state solutions.

Communication is key – first, employees should feel comfortable and supported discussing mental health concerns, and secondly, they must know where and how to pursue suitable help.

To read the original article, please visit https://goo.gl/mjvPaM