It’s time to talk about mental health

Thursday 4 February is Time to Talk Day, part of the mental health campaign Time to Change, from mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental illness.

Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people every year, yet too often people are afraid to talk about their experiences because they fear it will affect their jobs or relationships. That’s not right and it’s why we all need to help break the silence and end the stigma.

It makes sense to support employees who are struggling with mental health problems. Research shows that if supported, they will become more loyal, engaged and motivated, which can only be good for business.

There are many ways you can make your workplace healthier for your employees – and increase motivation, commitment and attendance.

By putting in place measures like these you can help all your employees to maintain good mental health, and reduce the risks of breakdown, stress, anxiety or more severe mental ill-health.

• ensuring employees have a good work/life balance
• being clear about responsibilities and expectations
• allowing employees flexibility in working hours
• encouraging social and sporting events among staff.

Employers are encouraged to show their support for Time to Talk day in the following ways:

• ​Show your support by changing your email banner and adding a twibbon
• Run a lunch and learn session by watching a Time to Change workplace workshop film or test your colleagues mental health awareness by running a quiz.
• Worried about a colleague?  Send a colleague an e-card to let them know you are thinking of them.

Find out about:

• making changes in your workplace
• support for employees
• making your workplace healthy

#timetotalk

What makes us susceptible to burnout?

In this episode  of the Safety & Health Podcast, ‘Burnout, stress and being human’, Heather Beach is joined by Stacy Thomson to discuss burnout, perfectionism and how to deal with burnout as an individual, as management and as an organisation.

We provide an insight on how to tackle burnout and why mental health is such a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace.

Listen now!