Mental health in the workplace is something that we should all be aware of. One in six British workers suffers from anxiety, depression, and stress each year. It’s no surprise that companies who invest in their staff reap the rewards of employee loyalty and commitment.
How can employers help their staff to have a positive mental attitude and be aware of the risk factors for developing a mental illness?
The Mental Health Foundation has identified signs that you can look out for at work.
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Uncharacteristic mistakes
- Motivating others can be difficult
- Timekeeping slipping
- Short-tempered
- Isolation is a common reaction to social isolation
- Speeding up, becoming more chaotic
- Intruding into other people’s conversations
Mental health awareness is improving, but there’s still a lot to do. They still worry about being judged or discriminated for their mental health. How can you, as an employer, create the right environment to support your employees’ mental health? What can line managers do to help?
Keep Staff Active
Regular exercise has been proven to be beneficial for those at risk of depression or anxiety, according to mental health services. It can improve your health, boost your self-esteem and help you sleep better.
You can encourage your employees to exercise by giving them an hour lunch break. You can allow staff an hour for lunch and encourage them to walk or cycle afterward. Or you can implement a “bike-to-work” scheme or a group of people who exercise together during lunch or after work. There are many ways to assist without making any changes to your workspace.
There are also changes that can be made in the office. Simple adjustments, such as Sit-Stand Desks that allow the user to adjust the height throughout the day can help. This small adjustment can also help to increase productivity throughout the day.
Installing a small exercise room in an unoccupied area or room can allow your staff to get their daily workout without feeling as if they have to go out of their way. Even 30 minutes of exercise five days a weeks can be beneficial. An on-site gym makes it easy for your staff to fit in their workouts during lunch.
