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Written by the MPA DEI Team

On the 10 October every year, we celebrate World Mental Health Day.

The theme each year is set by the World Federation for Mental Health, and this year the theme is:

“It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”.

It’s crucial to shine a light on one of the most pressing issues affecting modern workplaces, which is burnout. In our fast-paced world, more employees are experiencing chronic stress that leads to burnout. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it is gradual and can become a serious issue before you realise it. By addressing mental health in the workplace, we can create a more productive, creative and fulfilled workforce. A mentally healthy workplace is a thriving workplace.

Mental health and the workplace
An employed adult spends more time working than any other activity in their waking hours. In numerous ways, work can provide a livelihood, purpose and joy but in contrast for too many people, work can be a source of stress, fail to be fulfilling and detract from our mental health and wellbeing. It is estimated that 15% of UK workers have an existing mental health condition.

In 2022, the 5^th most common reason for work-related absence was mental health.

These are just a couple of reasons why we should take the time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Whilst the conversation about mental health has grown over the years, there is still a stigma attached to some work environments. It is important that we discuss openly any mental health struggles so that we keep that conversation flowing and continue to build upon the work already completed.

Openly addressing mental health in any capacity, not just the workplace, reduces any stigma or judgment that can be associated with mental health and creates a culture where people feel supported.

We spend so much time in the workplace, office, community and many other workplaces. It’s important that workplaces support mental health, reduce the negative impacts of work and promote mental health support and the benefits of a positive work-life balance.

How to prioritise your mental health in the workplace

There are a few ways a business can support mental health in the workplace and create a culture that is positive and supportive.

• Promote a culture of openness, to ensure that employees feel comfortable and safe to share any mental health struggles they have experienced or are experiencing. This can be done by regular workshops, guest speakers or training sessions to help normalise the conversation.
• Creating policies that address mental health conditions or struggles. This could be offering mental health days, providing access to Employee Assistance Programs to counselling or flexible working patterns.
• Ensuring managers and leaders of the business have a thorough understanding of mental health and mental ill health, could be providing Mental Health First Aid Training. Managers leading by example, promoting a healthy work-life balance for everyone, themselves included.
• Creating safe spaces for people, such as employee networks where people can share their thoughts and feelings in a space free from judgment or stigmatisation.

By prioritising mental health, it’s not only beneficial to the individual but also to the company. Employees who feel supported in their mental well-being are more likely to be loyal, stay engaged and be more productive. In contrast, companies that fail to support mental health risk higher turnover rates, lower levels of engagement and creativity.

How can you get involved on WMHD?

There are lots of ways that you can take part in World Mental Health Day.

• Tea & Talk, an initiative from the Mental Health UK. Research shows talking is good for your mental health, which is what Tea & Talk is all about! It also helps raise funds for Mental Health UK.
• Wear green ribbon, which shows your support for WMHD.
• Invite charities, speakers or hold workshops on mental health whether this is supporting someone with mental ill health or how to look after your mental health. The more open we are with knowledge sharing the better we can support each other.
• Spread the word through social media, posters in the office or just telling someone about WMHD can make a big difference.

While employers must take the lead in prioritising mental health, it’s essential to recognise that everyone in the workplace has a role to play.

Employees should be encouraged to look out for one another, and team members should be trained to offer support when a colleague is struggling.

Creating a workplace where mental health is openly discussed, and support is readily available requires collective effort and ongoing commitment.

Resources
World Mental Health Day 2024 – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
World Mental Health Day – October 10th (wmhdofficial.com)
World Mental Health Day – Mind
World Mental Health Day | Samaritans
World Mental Health Day 2024 | Mental Health Foundation

If you would like to join our BeWell Employee Network, please contact:

Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer
[email protected]