2020 has been an exceptionally challenging year for everyone. Its dramatic changes only highlighted the rampant issues there are with mental health within the working environment and communities.

As an employer your role is crucial. Mental wellbeing can be dramatically affected by the environment we are in and the stressors we are experiencing both at home and at work. At this moment in time, the lines between home and work are even more blurred adding to the negative impacts. 

As an employer, as with all hazards, action needs to be taken to ensure you are preventing risk and are supporting a healthy environment. As a part of this commitment, you need to promote efficient management of processes and people, have effective communications, and listen to the needs of those around you. When practicing this, actions to improve any work-related ill health concerns can be tackled and implemented. Imagine the positive impacts this could have to people and the business!

The ‘talking toolkit’ developed by the Health and Safety Executive is a useful resource that we often refer employers to. This toolkit can help employers have effective conversations with employees on how to prevent work-related stress, then use these discussions to act - where perhaps there are lapses.

It will also help you understand the management standards for stress, enabling you to proactively address work related ill health as part of your organisational planning. 

As we move into winter months, months which naturally wreak havoc on our general wellbeing the charity Mind, supported by The Royal Foundation and its partners have produced guidance and best practice for employers via the Mental Health at Work website another invaluable tool that can be used to tackle some of the issues present.

Please remember that talking can save lives. It also costs nothing. Something as simple as talking can lead on to effective solutions for people who may be struggling.

Let’s all keep well together.