How to create a better environment for colleagues with mental health issues
With World Mental Health Day approaching fast, how can we start to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace? It’s down to each of us to make a contribution which will ensure anyone dealing with a mental health issue, can live better lives with dignity.
Here are 4 top tips to help:
- Encourage an open culture – Allowing people to feel like they can talk about mental health is one of the biggest first steps to change the stigma
- Leaders should support the cause and also open up – In order to make colleagues and employees feel comfortable with opening up, leaders and managers should set an example. Share a personal story or period of time where they too may have struggled with mental health. This is one of the best ways to build rapport and trust with employees
- Provide direct mental health support for employees – Mental Health First Aiders are now becoming more and more accessible within businesses. This can be the first point of call for employees if they are going through difficult times
- Support the cause with education – Expecting one or two mental health first aiders on site to be the only port of call for employees is setting people up to fail. Mental Health First Aiders are people too and they will struggle also if the pressure becomes too high. Educate managers on mental health, give them ways for which they can support employees
If you need support on raising awareness then get in touch on 01924 666295.
