Supportive working environments
All workplaces should ensure that their staff feels physically and psychologically safe. Creating these positive, safe environments allows staff and managers to talk openly about their mental health without fear of stigma. Sharing experiences allows managers to be aware of any issues their staff have.
Managers can understand the risk factors that contributed to these issues and seek to resolve them where possible. This will strengthen the working relationship staff have with their managers and allows staff to feel that they have been listened to and treated with dignity and respect.
Understanding risk factors
There are numerous factors psychologically, environmentally, and physically that can contribute to poor mental health. Workplaces may not be able to control external factors like family or monetary pressures, they can however mitigate workplace factors. By understanding risk factors businesses can implement:
- Flexible working
- Access to professional help for all staff
- Training
- Good communication practices
- Open, honest conversations with staff
- Mental health first aiders
- Promote good work-life balances
- Provide the right equipment for the job role
Workplace training
In order for staff to perform optimally at work, they should be offered training and further development opportunities. Offering not only workplace career opportunities but training on the signs, symptoms, and factors that influence poor mental. Managers and staff completing mental health training raise that awareness. Also, it promotes those conversations about mental health.
Why are they so important?
Businesses have a moral, legal and financial obligation to all their employees to provide safe working environments for all. According to official Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stats the annual costs to businesses is £5.3 billion in lost days due to poor mental health of staff.
In fact, according to statistics 50% of all staff in the UK suffering from work-related ill-health suffer from anxiety and depression. But these figures are estimated to be higher as many are still afraid to speak out. So, how can managers understand triggers? Well, awareness through training is by far the most effective measure.
Mental health awareness training
Good mental health is a priority and yet so many are suffering due to a lack of help and support. The UK has such a long way to go to improve services and help those that need it most.
In this day and age, mental health is widely recognised as a key area for individuals in both their work and their home lives. Along with the stigma around opening up about mental health, an awareness of mental health issues can be unknown to many.
Ligtas are proud to offer an online mental health awareness course. The covers the main types of mental ill health along with typical symptoms, relief, and coping strategies a must for all employees and staff alike.
Stats by HSE show 50% of all staff suffering from work-related ill-health suffer from anxiety and depression
Learning Management System (LMS)
All training for the mental health awareness course can be completed online via our LMS system. The LMS is a platform that can support all of your company’s learning content. It enables the documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of training courses from enrolment to final completion.
So, why not contact our trusted team of professionals to book the online training either as an individual or as a company for its staff?
Statistics from Deloitte’s refreshed case have shown the average return is £5 for every £1 spent on investing in mental health. So now has never been a better time to invest in your staff.
Contact us via telephone at 02922 800 000, book online or via email at enquiries@ligtas.co.uk
