ONE in four people will experience a mental health issue – this World Mental Health Day it’s time for Dorset businesses to talk. This year’s event organised by the World Federation for Mental Health, (and held on October 10,) is focused on mental health in the workplace.
Weymouth-based HR and Training company, Rely Ltd, said there are four steps businesses can take to promote a supportive culture in their company towards mental health issues.
The company provides support and advice to a variety of businesses across Dorset on HR and training related matters and said that it is important that employers are onboard when it comes to supporting mental health issues.
There are four steps companies can take to ensure a positive and supportive environment:
Prepare your line managers – make sure they have the right skills and training to have difficult or sensitive conversations with employees and increase the degree of communication they have with their team members.
Secondly, have robust HR policies in place like a sickness absence policy, a mental health policy and a flexible working policy.
Next, be proactive in your approach – have appraisals scheduled, a work-related stress risk assessment in place and regularly used and consider using employee engagement surveys to gauge the work environment and flag up any stressors.
And finally, understand the legal situation when it comes to handling mental health issues in the workplace, or have someone to hand that does – such as Rely Ltd.
Becky Firth, HR Assistant Consultant at Rely Ltd, said: “As the workplace is where people spend the majority of their time, we think it’s important that employers are onboard when it comes to supporting mental health issues.”
For advice on supporting employees with mental health issues at work, contact Rely Ltd – HR & Training on 01305 831706 or email enquiries@rely.company. To get involved in the conversation use #WorldMentalHealthDay on social media.