BUSINESS INSIGHTS
• It ’ s a ‘ home ’ issue , not a ‘ work ’ issue .
• Fear that they will be seen as weak or a failure .
• Experiencing subconscious bias from managers .
• Fear of discrimination / lack of belonging .
• Fear that their career being affected and that they will get overlooked for promotions or new roles .
It ’ s time to get rid of the fear . Employers have a real opportunity to dispel these myths by making conversations surrounding mental health at work the norm .
It all starts with the right mental health training team for an effective and successful return to work .
Provide ongoing support
Once the conversation has started with an employee about mental health , it ’ s essential to keep it going .
One solution may be to put a buddy system in place , offering employees access to those who have received mental health training or have relevant experience and can act as a friend , mentor or guide . More structured support may also be available . For example , corporate Private Medical Insurance policies .
Often line managers and business leaders can feel uncomfortable starting a conversation about mental health or worry about giving the ‘ wrong ’ response if someone does disclose their mental health issues to them . Basic mental health training for all employees can help dispel these fears . Providing specific training for line managers and those responsible for others ’ welfare can also be invaluable .
Mental health training for line managers should include the following :
• Spotting the signs – How to spot behavioural changes and symptoms if an employee suffers from mental health issues .
• Communication skills – How to talk about it and what words are best to use / avoid .
• Workplace adjustments and return to work – Training for managers to help people stay at work where possible or integrate individuals back into the
These can sometimes provide fully funded Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insured employees suffering from mental health issues to help prevent absence or help them recover from long term absence .
Partnering with a mental health provider , such as Onebright , can provide psychological support services for employees with access to a highly effective range of evidence-based psychological therapies .
Employers who take mental health and well-being seriously send out a clear message about the organisation ’ s values and show that they care , respect and support their employees .
There are so many ways that employers can improve the experience and lives of the people who work for them , and through mental health training , we can learn to be allies for our employees , so they don ’ t feel like they ’ re enduring challenges on their own . x
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