The pandemic, and lockdown in particular, have greatly increased concerns about mental health in the workplace. Anxieties about the risk of infection as well as job security and the stress and sense of isolation that many people experience when working from home have prompted the growth of mental health problems with business leaders fearing that the worst might still be to come.
The traditional British stiff upper lip might have softened over the last few decades but, according to a new report, Keeping up Appearances: How ‘Pleasanteeism’ is Eroding Resilience, over half (51 per cent) of UK workers feel under pressure to put on a brave face in front of their colleagues.
The company behind the report, which Be the Business contributed to, is Lime, a health insurance provider. The report’s authors believe that businesses are “sleepwalking into a mental health crisis”, with only 16 per cent of UK workers feeling very well supported at work when it comes to mental health. More worrying still, nearly half (40 per cent) say that they will look for a new job if their employer doesn’t do more to provide this support.
Shaun Williams, CEO & founder of Lime Global, commented: “The past 18 months has had a huge impact on people’s lives, including on their mental health and resilience. The long-term repercussions of the pandemic are likely to be felt for years to come, and it’s important we act now to be aware of and prioritise both our own mental health and that of those around us.”
SMEs need to take action now to ensure that workforces remain mentally as well as physically well.
- To help combat this problem Lime has produced a service called Mind Matters, which helps employees to manage their mental health, handle the stresses of everyday life and build their resilience.
- Generally, managers should emphasise to their teams that not feeling OK is nothing to be ashamed of and that, rather than being penalised for expressing their fears or vulnerability their honesty will be welcomed.
- Writing in The Harvard Business Review, Kelly Greenwood, founder and CEO of Mind Share Partners, a non-profit that is aims to change the culture of workplace mental health and Natasha Krol its head of client services, advise managers to organise more check-ins with staff, especially those working at home to a greater extent. “Go beyond a simple “How are you?” and ask specific questions about what supports would be helpful. Wait for the full answer,” it recommends. “Really listen and encourage questions and concerns. Of course, be careful not to be overbearing; that could signal a lack of trust or a desire to micromanage.”
- “For those who have spent the majority of the past 18 months stuck at home, offices have the potential to become a healthy wellbeing space,” said Vicky Walker, director of HR at Westfield Health, a provider of health insurance and wellbeing services. “As such, many workers are eager to be in a place where they can collaborate again, work in a quiet space or simply just have a change of environment.” Walker recommends offering staff a variety of spaces that allow them to decide how they want to work, be individually or collaboratively, as well as areas dedicated to socialising. “Workers will want to reconnect after spending many months apart, so having a space dedicated to socialising will allow this to happen. Be prepared for a small drop in output when returning to the office as a result, but stronger team bonds and relationships will benefit the company in the long run.”
- Headspace for Work, is a service for mental health in the workplace developed by the creators of the very popular meditation and mindfulness app.
