Build a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health
Would your employees feel comfortable calling in sick due to their mental health? Or would they tell you their absence was due to a physical illness? People Management (2019) highlighted that over 50% of employees who took days off due to mental health problems like depression, anxiety and stress did not tell their manager the true reason for their absence. The research reported that this was because they didn’t think they would get any support, they felt embarrassed or they didn’t want their colleagues to know.
The ONS reported that 11.6% of all absences in the UK in 2020 were due to mental health - making it the forth most common recorded reason for absence from work.
Organisations that have a workplace ethos that supports mental health have:
less sickness absence
reduced turnover
an environment where employees can reach their full potential
So how can you promote a culture where it is okay to talk about mental health?
Start the conversation
As a leader, talk about mental health! Let your employees know that it’s okay to have mental health problems. Talk about your own experiences.
Train your people managers
If people are managed well they are less likely to suffer with stress and be more resilient at work. Do your people managers know how to spot the signs of mental ill-health?
Introduce a Mental Health Policy
By introducing a mental health policy you can set out your commitment to creating a supportive workplace.
These are just some of the steps that you can take! Why not get in touch with Stanley & Davis and we can work with you and your people managers to help you develop this positive culture and much more!