Your IndustryJan 24 2017

Take a proactive stance on mental health

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Take a proactive stance on mental health

Q One of my employees suffers debilitating anxiety that affects his decision making, attendance and co-workers. How do I approach him to seek help?

According to The Office of National Statistics (ONS), 19 per cent of people in the UK suffer from some form of depression and anxiety, so it is important employers learn how to address and support employees experiencing some form of anxiety.

This will involve developing a strategy focussing on the long-term aspects of managing mental health in the work-place, effectively promoting wellbeing throughout the organisation.

While there have been positive movements in the discussion of mental health in the workplace, there is still a way to go before people truly feel comfortable in having open communication about their mental health concerns.

For this reason, it is imperative managers take a proactive approach in building an open and honest culture surround health and wellbeing. This can be as small as checking in with your employees to see how they are.

Showing employees you are open to discussing issues they are facing can sometimes be half the battle.

Both management and employees will benefit from educating themselves in the issues surrounding anxiety including how to spot the potential signs and how to approach someone who is experiencing anxiety.

You might consider partnering with a local mental health charity and inviting their experts to come into the workplace to run workshops or hold talks about promoting positive mental health at work.

If an employee is experiencing anxiety it is important to highlight any support that can be provided.

This may include an EAP service, consisting of both a confidential telephone advice service manned by trained professionals or face-to-face counselling sessions.

Offering an EAP service can often be beneficial, particularly to those who do not feel comfortable talking to their managers, providing extra reassurance during difficult or stressful periods.