Mental Health and How We Can Support Others in Our Workplace
2020 has been a year most of us will never forget. It is fair to say that in many ways, the COVID 19 pandemic has brought the nation together, as despite our differences, we all have something in common. That said, we have all experienced the pandemic in different ways.
For some, it has been an annoying inconvenience, but with a good support network, even during lockdown, it hasn’t been too bad. For others, it has brought great stress and anxiety. There are of course our NHS heros, working on the front line every day, caring for the most vulnerable whilst putting their own lives at risk. There are those who have fought and are still fighting the virus, and people who have lost loved ones. We think about these people daily and hope that they have enough support in their lives. There are also other people who are suffering. People who have had to shield themselves and have had no contact with their loved ones. There are people who are furloughed or have lost their jobs and now have money worries they weren’t expecting during their 2020 new years celebrations. There are also those who the thought of stepping out of the door, taking their children to school, or popping to the shop for a pint of milk, is just too much.
Mental health this year has suffered significantly. Within the first six weeks of the UK’s first lockdown, research, led by Professor Rory O’Connor, Chair in Health Psychology at the University’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, found that suicidal thoughts increased with one in ten or 9.8% by the end of this period. The Samaritans have reported that over half of their calls involved concerns about COVID 19, but increasingly, callers are less concerned about catching the virus, than they are about feeling cut off from loved ones (Samaritans, 2020).
Research carried out by The Health Foundation also highlights the pressure people feel. ‘More than two-thirds of adults in the UK (69%) report feeling somewhat or very worried about the effect COVID-19 is having on their life. The most common issues affecting wellbeing are worry about the future (63%), feeling stressed or anxious (56%) and feeling bored (49%)’ They also found that, taking account of pre-pandemic trajectories, mental health has worsened substantially (by 8.1% on average) as a result of the pandemic. (The Heath Foundation, 2020).
Even before the pandemic, work related issues were a major contributor to the deterioration of mental health. The pressure of new technology, meeting deadlines, meeting standards and constant monitoring from management, cause great stress and anxiety which many people find difficult to leave at office.
Did you know?
Only 24% of employees said their company regularly engages with them on issues of mental health
Less than 1 in 10 would confide in their employer if they were suffering from a mental health condition
A staggering 14% of employees have experienced suicidal thoughts
Up to 45% of employees would look for alternative employment if their employer didn’t provide support in relation to mental health. (Benenden Health, 2020)
Unresolved mental health issues may cause absence, loss of productivity and high staff turnover, and it is employers who bear the associated costs once they hit the bottom line. Organisations that take meaningful action to promote employee wellbeing will, therefore, enjoy a competitive advantage over those that don’t, or that merely pay lip service to it.It is therefore, paramount that businesses offer a supportive and understanding environment for their team, especially in light of COVID 19 and the effect this has had on the deterioration of the UK’s mental health.
How can your organisation help?
Even before help is needed, you can reduce the likelihood of your workplace being the root cause of someone’s mental health illness. You can create a culture of openness, so that people feel that they can talk about their stresses without the fear of being judged by others. You can create a mental health policy so that all staff know how to get the help and support they need. You can also provide training and offer professional help. An important factor which management needs to address is encouraging work - life balance
It is recommended that all organisations have a designated mental health first aider. Having a qualified Mental Health First Aider in the workplace provides a point of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the individual to get appropriate help in a crisis. Mental Health First Aiders can spot the signs of mental ill health and are valuable in providing early support for someone who may be developing a mental health issue (Westfield Health, 2020).
If you have identified that someone is suffering with their mental health, encourage time off - even before they are signed off. Sometimes, people feel too guilty or embarrassed to ask, but a short break may well be all they need. Be more flexible - maybe working from home and eliminating their daily commute just a couple of times a week, would help. You could try to encourage them to get professional help - you can’t force them, but a few kind words form someone they trust, could point them in the right direction.. Also, provide extra support if they are struggling with their workload - it is better for everyone if someone does less, but to a higher standard.
If someone has had time off due to mental health, like with any other illness, you can offer a range of support depending on their needs. You can offer a phased return - create an action plan together to ensure you are providing the right support. You may also allow sufficient time off for them to attend any support sessions they need. Remember that even if you are not the right person to help, you can show empathy and support by encouraging someone to seek the right help (Benenden Health, 2020).
At LettsPay, we know only too well how important mental health is. Being aware of your own and other people’s mental health is paramount to our team. Below are some links to websites which could help other organisations. Also, keep an eye out for further articles as we are working alongside psychology graduates and students to improve our knowledge of mental health in the UK and specifically within the workplace.