While it is important to check an individual's mental health, to make a lasting positive difference to someone’s mental health you will often need to go beyond asking the simple question, “are you ok?”. 

Putting practical strategies in place and adopting the use of innovative technology are just some of the ways that employers and employees can promote good mental health within the workspace to get to the root of employees mental health problems.

In this blog post we shall explore the different ways that you can prioritise your own mental health as well as how to support your colleagues or employees. 

Are you ok? Why Mental Health at Work is Important 

With most of us spending an average of 40 hours a week in the workplace it is clear that mental health should be a priority when it comes to employers' agendas. It is important to talk about mental health to help reduce the stigma and create a supportive caring work environment. 

Over the last few years there has been an increasing awareness of mental health issues arising in the workplace which is positive progress but it has highlighted the vast ranging mental health issues that occur. 

Mental health conditions are responsible for 12.7% of absences in the UK which is why it is crucial to put steps in place to promote positive mental health in the workplace. By doing this not only will the number of mental health related illnesses decrease but employees will also be more productive and enjoy carrying out their work. 

How to go beyond asking “are you ok?” to employees

There are a range of different ways that you can check on employees' mental health that go beyond asking the standard “are you ok?” question. From scheduling regular one-to-one meetings to using new exciting new technology that will help to correlate mental health trends and monitor the organisation's stress levels. 

Employers should firstly seek to build good relationships with their employees to ensure that they feel comfortable to open up to them about issues such as mental health. This can be done by booking in regular catch up with employees to give them the opportunity to offload any particular worries or concerns they may have. 

However, sometimes employees will not open up to an employer about their mental wellbeing. In this case employers should strive to implement wellbeing interventions that target the full organisation and respect employees privacy. For example, introducing paid mental health days could allow an employee to take paid time off from work when they feel they need it. Not only will this help to ease the burden employees may feel due to a mental health condition but it will also ensure that they return to work more focused and motivated. 

Employers should also organise mental health awareness days and workshops to educate the workforce on the signs and causes of mental health which will help to reduce the stigma that is often attached to mental health conditions particularly in the workplace. 

By implementing these mental health strategies this will demonstrate to employees that their employer values their overall wellbeing and are willing to go beyond asking the simple question if they are ok by putting in place practical action plans. 

Technology to Help Employers Go Beyond Asking “Are You Ok?” 

HeadClear offers the solution for modern organisations that are keen to implement technology to measure the stress of employees so that they can take action before stress manifests. The app provides employers with a dashboard giving a snapshot overview of employees' stress stats. This allows employers to have a clear indication of the mental health of the organisation as a whole and to see which areas certain employees need assistance with. The anomaly detection of the HeadClear app even predicts future trends which can allow employers to plan ahead before stress manifests itself and affects the organisation. 

Other apps such as Headspace for Work and Unmind specialise in providing employers with the tools to tackle mental health problems head on. Online mood diaries, interactive courses and meditations are alternative employee mental health tracking methods that are easy to implement and enjoyable for employees to take part in. 

How Employers can Improve Mental Health in the Workplace 

Improving mental health in the workplace starts with employers creating a comfortable fair environment that employees will thrive in. Every worker has a different set of individual needs and by recognising and meeting these needs employers will reap the benefits when it comes to employee productivity and satisfaction levels. 

Employers can implement procedures and take advantage of excellent employee mental health programmes like HeadClear which is backed by science to support and improve employees mental health. In doing so, employees will input their data into the app and be provided with advice on areas that they could focus on to help manage their stress. This information will also provide employers with a holistic view on the stress levels of their organisation and the opportunity to take action before stress affects the health and productivity of the business. 

Employers should seek to implement workplace adjustments to a suit range of employees needs as a happy and healthier workplace will increase staff retention and motivation. Some of the adjustments that could be adopted include:- 

• Ensuring a friendly ‘doors open’ policy as this will help employees to feel comfortable to approach their employer if they are having a hard time or need to raise a concern.

• Encourage hybrid working where appropriate which will allow employees to split their time between working remotely and in person. 

• Allow employees to work flexible hours if this will benefit their work / life balance

• Provide an employee with the opportunity to relocate temporarily to a different role while they are suffering with their mental health 

• Encourage regular mental health training which will equip employees with the skills to tune in to their mental health and take positive action.

How To Chat To Your Colleagues About Mental Health 

In an organisation the awareness of mental health issues doesn’t just fall on management, you should also take an interest in how your colleagues are by showing that you care and have their backs. 

Starting a conversation about mental health with your work mates may initially seem daunting but taking the right steps will help your colleagues to open up and feel comfortable to share their feelings with you. 

• You should ensure that you choose the right environment to check up on a colleague. For example, choose a time where your employee isn’t distracted by work or is in the company of other people that could overhear your conversation. You could perhaps suggest catching up after work over a coffee. 

• Ask open questions that will provide your colleague with the opportunity to open up about how they are feeling such as “have you been finding the workload stressful?”

• Show that you are a good listener. Often people won’t open up about their worries or concerns if they think that someone isn’t a good listener. Show that you care by being sympathetic, maintain eye contact and share with them instances when you have felt the same.

• Pass on supportive resources if you think that they could utilise some help in improving their mental health for example, mental health apps such as HeadSpace and Calm may be beneficial to providing your colleague with strategies to combat poor mental health. 

•  If you discover that your colleague is struggling, encourage them to reach out to their GP and offer to accompany them to an appointment to discuss their mental health with a professional. 

How To Speak to Your Employer about Mental Health 

If you notice a dip in your mental health it is a good idea to mention this to your employer so that they can help support you in your role. Don’t feel anxious about informing your employer about your mental health as they are responsible for the care of all employees and nurturing a fair work environment. 

Your employer will be keen to discuss with you if there are any adjustments that could be made to assist you during this time such as allowing you to work a hybrid model, lessening your workload or changing your work duties. 

Since the pandemic, employers have become even more aware of the importance of promoting good mental health in the workplace. This has resulted in the implementation of many mental health awareness apps such as HeadClear’s innovative wellbeing and stress tracking app which seeks to improve workplace mental health and give both employers and employees the power to improve their mental health. By using HeadClear’s app this would allow you to keep your employer updated about the progress of your mental health in a discrete manner. 

Conclusion

There are many ways to start a conversation on mental health in the workplace whether it is with your manager, colleague or employee. Make sure to take full advantage of all of the available resources your workplace provides and don’t be reluctant to seek support or advice from your employer when it is needed. We all play a role in minimising mental health issues which is why it is important to check in regularly with colleagues to reassure them that they can turn to you if they are having a hard time. As an employer it is your duty to create a workplace that values good mental health and supports employees when they require assistance. Providing workplace adjustments and implementing an employee mental health programme are some of the solutions to combating mental health issues in the workplace.