Mark Lyttleton works with companies across a broad range of industries, providing entrepreneurs with funding and strategic support, as well as offering personal advice; helping them to maintain a healthy work/life balance; and helping them to manage the considerable pressures of launching, growing and running a business. This article will explore different strategies to help staff identify and overcome mental health issues, including putting in place support structures to help protect the wellbeing of employees at every level of a company.
According to NHS research, psychiatric problems are the most common reason for employee absences, making it more important than ever for employers to strengthen their employee mental health support policies. You can learn about the most common types of mental health issues by viewing the attached PDF.
12% of employees report taking days off work due to mental health conditions. However, the cost of presenteeism, where employees come to work while struggling with mental health issues, is arguably even greater. The embedded infographic reveals startling statistics about the toll poor mental health takes on businesses.
With so many people affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives, it is vital for employers to learn to spot the signs of poor mental health in their workers. Common red flags to look out for include:
- Increased absenteeism
- Uncharacteristic behaviour
- Reduced levels of engagement
- Decreased productivity
- Disinterest in day-to-day or work activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping behaviours
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Substance misuse
- Changes in working patterns
- Anxiety, paranoia and irrational fears
It is important that managers who notice such signs in staff open up a dialogue. While these behaviours are not always indicative of a mental health issue, where an employee is struggling, it is crucial that they receive help and support.
In reality, it can be extremely challenging for managers to identify employees who are experiencing mental health problems, particularly in a working environment that fails to encourage employees to open up about their mental health. Managers need to ensure they are available, maintaining open, meaningful dialogue with employees around mental health, and making it clear that they are always there to confide in and offer support.
In terms of encouraging employees to open up about their problems, confidentiality is key. It is vital that staff know that any discussions they have with management regarding their mental health will be kept as private as possible. The embedded video provides more information on supporting employees experiencing mental health problems.