With stress, deadlines, and pressures often looming large, supporting mental health in the workplace can sometimes feel like fighting an uphill battle. The fast-paced nature of working life can make it easy for us all to push feelings aside and ignore the mounting strains on our mental health.

Nevertheless, more and more employers and employees are starting to recognise the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace – and with Mental Health Awareness Week now a key date in the calendar, we’ve put together some useful tips and guidance to safeguard your team’s mental health:

Importance of Looking After Your Mental Health in the Workplace:

Making sure you prioritise your mental health at work is just as important as looking after your physical health. By practicing self-care techniques, you are not only setting yourself up for success by supporting your productivity and ability to manage stress, but you are also lowering the chance that every-day stressors escalate into a more serious mental health concern.

A recent 2023 report for the MQ, Peopleful & WorkWell Research Programme, found that 1 in 4 employees are at high risk of burnout due to experiencing chronic work-related stress that has not been managed successfully. So, maybe it is worth taking the time today to go for that lunchtime walk or even learn some desk yoga!

Employers also have a responsibility to create a workplace environment that is beneficial for mental wellbeing. Through encouraging work-life balance, providing easy access to mental health resources, educating staff on mental health first aid, and promoting a culture of open communication, employers can help build a space where employees feel that they can voice their feelings and be met with non-judgemental, informed support.

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out for in Your Colleagues:

There are lots of different types of mental health conditions, and their symptoms can often present differently in different people. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in colleagues is vital if you are to offer timely support and guidance.

Key changes in behaviour, such as increased sick days, decreased productivity, or low energy & mood, may indicate that a colleague is dealing with an underlying mental health condition. Recurring expressions of stress, anxiety, or burnout during daily conversations can also serve as a sign that someone may be struggling with their mental health and may need additional support.

Employers and employees alike should be attentive to these kinds of symptoms and should approach colleagues with kindness and understanding. Making time to make meaningful conversation and actively listening to others can make a significant difference to someone navigating their mental health journey. Not only do conversations about mental health leave room for colleagues to discuss their symptoms and have their experiences validated, but it also helps support a workplace culture in which people feel comfortable seeking out mental health guidance.

Where to find Resources and Support:

Accessing mental health resources and professional support is so important if you feel that you are struggling with your mental health – whether it is at work or at home.

Employers can provide a range of useful resources, including contacts for counselling services, HR guidance, practical support e.g. flexible working, and mental health awareness training, to support employee wellbeing.

You can also find support from external services such as mental health charities, local healthcare providers, online support groups, and community support services:

Speak with a GP:

Register to speak with your local GP by phone, email or in-person.

You can find your nearest GP at: www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/find-a-gp

Mind:

Mental Health Charity providing mental health support and educational resources.

Find out more here: https://www.mind.org.uk/

General Counselling Directory:

Find a local counsellor using this directory.

Find out more: www.counselling-directory.org.uk

LGBTQIA+ Therapists:

Qualified LGBTQIA+ friendly therapists and counsellors.

Find out more: https://pinktherapy.com/

Other Useful Contacts:

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Crisis helpline available to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Open 6pm to midnight every day.

Phone: 0800 689 5652

Samaritans

Open 24hrs and is available for anyone who needs to talk about any type concerns or worries.

Phone: 116 123

NHS 111

Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.