How Can Employers Better Support the Mental Health of Employees?
A recent independent review reveals that the UK is facing a significant challenge from mental health issues in the workplace.
Commissioned by the Prime Minister, the Stevenson/Farmer review highlights that more people leave work due to mental health problems than physical health problems. This comes at a significant cost to the economy, with an estimated £74 - £99 billion being lost per year due to poor mental health.
In order to overcome these issues, a number of 'mental health core standards' are set out in the report, which aim to provide a framework of actions to be implemented by companies across the country. These core standards include actions such as:
- producing, implementing and communicating a mental health at work plan
- developing mental health awareness among employees
- encouraging open conversations about mental health and the support available, particularly when employees are struggling
- providing employees with good working conditions and ensuring that they have a healthy work life balance and opportunities for development
- promoting effective people management through line managers and supervisors
- routinely monitoring employee mental health and wellbeing
There are also a number of additional 'enhanced' standards which are outlined for those employers who are in a position to provide increased levels of support.
Next Steps
The review contains a useful breakdown of how the mental health core standards could be achieved on a practical level. If you are considering what actions can be taken in the workplace to improve mental health, the report provides a useful starting point.