Many people prioritise physical health over mental health, yet they are both just as important to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
It is vital that we take care of our mental health as much as our physical health in our daily lives and at work.
As an employer, you hold a duty of care to all who work within your organisation. By making mental health a priority in the workplace you will benefit both your staff and your business.
Wellbeing and the workplace
Mental health matters and is especially important in the working environment.
On average, a person spends five days a week at work, which equates to a third of the average lifespan. Taking this into account, it is evidently important for people to feel comfortable, safe, and experience good mental wellbeing whilst in the office.
Yet, 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace in the UK.
Since the pandemic mental health issues have become exacerbated for many. There has been a widespread increase in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in many communities.
However, the whole cause of the mental health crisis is multifaceted, such as stress from workloads which can lead to burnout, cost-of-living crisis putting a strain on financial wellbeing, negative coping mechanisms like alcohol and drug misuse, and existential anxieties.
It can be hard for someone to navigate improving their mental wellbeing, especially because mental health is completely unique to every individual.
With mental health issues on the rise in the UK, there has never been a more important time to put mental health at the forefront of your organisation.
Improving mental health with your employees with an EAP
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is the essential tool for your employees to help maintain better mental health in the workplace and in life.
For every £1 invested in an EAP, organisations can expect to see, on average a 10x return on investment.
Mental Health Workforce Stats and Facts:
It should be no surprise that having your people experiencing poor mental health in the workplace has a negative effect on your organisation.
- Evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sickness can be attributed to mental health conditions.
- 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety
- Employees experiencing poor mental health are less productive and happy employees are 13% more productive, on average.
- 1 in 3 employees still feel that mental health support in their workplace is inadequate and would like more support from their employer.
- Nearly half of employees say their mental wellbeing declined in 2022, and 28% said they are miserable in their workplace.
- Only 13% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health in the workplace.
source: Mental Health Foundation
Unsurprisingly, if your people are experiencing poor mental wellbeing and don’t have sufficient access to mental health support your organisation will face significant challenges.
The significance of improving mental health & wellbeing in your organisation
Keeping your workforce happy and healthy is substantially beneficial not only for the staff but also for your organisation.
For the organisation:
- Decreases absence leave
- Increases productivity
- Happier and healthier workforce
- Better staff retention
- Workplace becomes more enjoyable for all
For your colleagues:
- Improved confidence
- Increased self-esteem
- Better decision making
- Happier and healthier overall
What is the best way to improve mental wellness at work?
Health Assured offers the Assistance Programme which promotes and encourages your people to have better mental wellbeing.
The Assurance Programme is a valuable resource that aims to support and enhance the mental health of your people.
It is a complete resource, accessible 24/ 7, including bank holidays. You will have access to empathetic and compassionate support over the phone, in person or online with one of our trained counsellors.
Counsellors will support your people through life challenges by giving them different perspectives and encouraging healthy behaviours and activities.
Health Assured also offers Mental health first aid courses aiming to help you and your people identify those who need further mental health support, when someone is at risk, and ways to take action when needed.
By providing an Assistance Programme for your people you support them to live up to their full potential which subsequently allows your organisation to thrive.
Better mental health, better business success
We know poor mental health affects business success, but what are the figures?
The yearly expense of mental health for employers is eye-watering. The British Red Cross indicates that poor mental health at work costs UK employers up to £45 billion each year.
With this in mind, introducing mental health support for your employees is necessary for them, for you, and for your organisation.
If you enhance your people’s mental health, what could you expect to save per individual?
- Public sector: as much as £1,878
- Private sector: up to £1,481
If you wish to know more about what you will save based on your organisation, give one of our mental health specialists a call today on 0800 206 2534
Talk to an expert or call us 0800 206 2532
