Sector - Health
Why your employees need a ‘Mental Health Day’
14 Aug 18
An employee calling in sick to work is considered completely acceptable if it’s for a migraine, stomach bug or physical injury. But what about the days a member of staff is at work and although they’re not physically ill, mentally they are absent?
It’s estimated that mental health-related presenteeism costs employers up to three times the cost of mental health related absence1. This equates to an annual cost of £16.8Bn to £26.4Bn for UK business. So does it make sense to treat a mental health absence with the same approach as a physical sickness day?
Last year, Britons took 137M sick days, of these, 15.8M were for mental health issues (stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar or anything else). ‘Mental health days’ are a way of ensuring employees are 100% mentally present at work meaning they will inevitably be more productive.
Director of Wellbeing at Westfield Health, Richard Holmes, explains how employers can prevent mental health absences and why it’s important for employers to allow for ‘mental health days’ off work.
-
On-site stress busters
“Work is the most common cause of stress in British adults, with 59% of employees suffering from stress in the workplace2. By reducing stress at work, it will prevent employees taking mental health-related absences in the first place. Businesses can introduce schemes and techniques such as relaxation sessions, chill-out zones and exercise classes to help employees unwind and switch off from their workload.”
-
Communication
“It’s important to encourage employees to talk openly and freely about how they feel mentally. This can be encouraged by line managers by ensuring they are approachable and have an open door policy. Organising social activities is a good way to help colleagues get along outside work whilst making them feel more at ease when it comes to talking about their mental health.”
-
Create a flexible work environment
“Employee benefits aren’t just about a high salary or extra holiday days. Businesses that have a flexible work schedule are more likely to retain staff as it gives them the ability to manage a work-life balance3. By businesses adhering to employees individual needs (e.g. school runs and participating in hobbies), it will reduce the stress and pressure of everyday life. Likewise, if businesses allow staff to work from home when feeling mentally unwell, it will reduce the stigma behind mental health absenteeism.”
-
Introduce a workplace wellbeing programme
“A surge in over stressed and over worked employees has led to a rise in mental health absenteeism. One way that businesses can improve this is by introducing a workplace wellbeing programme which encourages staff to manage and speak openly about their physical and mental health. By introducing initiatives like this, businesses are more likely to have a happier and healthier workforce, reducing avoidable absenteeism.”
1 Research by Deloitte UK Mental Health Monitor, October 2017
2 https://pages.perkbox.com/rs/244-RYY-693/images/2018-Workplace-Stress-Survey.pdf
3 https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/flexible-working-retain-talent/
If you would like to read more articles like this then please click here.
Related Articles
- Bolton College of Medical Sciences plan is approved
- Construction firm launches mental health support for construction workers
- Call for occupational health training following report
- Celebrating health, safety and wellbeing champions
- How firms can combat the tragic effects of mental health problems in the workplace
More Health News
- I&G to build new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
18 Apr 24
I&G has been appointed to build the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
- £19M for regeneration of Bridgwater Hospital
7 Mar 24
Almost £20M from the Levelling Up Fund will give the former Bridgwater Hospital a new
- Pick Everard lands £1.6Bn NHS framework
17 Aug 23
Pick Everard has been appointed to NHS Shared Business Services new £1.6bn framework agreement.
-
Sector Press Releases
- ALS Environmental extension to scope granted by UKAS
Now accredited for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and TVC testing in endoscopy and dialysis waters.
- FP McCann’s shaft segments used in Belgian hospital waste water scheme
FP McCann’s shaft segments are factory-fitted with EPDM rubber gaskets, providing water-tight seal upon construction.
- Bryland Fire Protection achieve world’s first in fire suppression systems
Bryland are partnering with innovative, pioneering suppliers to continue to offer advanced and effective solutions.
- Is your project compliant?
Safer Sphere has an array of experience delivering CDM support in accordance with CDM regulations.
- Outsourced safety support at a fraction of the cost
Safer Sphere can develop a bespoke subscription to suit your requirements.
- London introduces new tax to cut vehicle pollution
A T-charge will work alongside the existing congestion charge, affecting older petrol and diesel cars.
-
Sector Case Studies
- Building Better Support: Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Phantom highlights the need for greater awareness around the topic of mental health.
- Newcastle Freeman Hospital
A long-term data centre strategy was needed to carry Freeman Hospital through the next decade.
- Royal College of Surgeons
A robust data centre strategy was needed to safeguard their reputation and ensure business continuity.
- Health Authority Project
Procomm supplied 54 bays of CTX modules to form a health centre.
- Making safety more than just a buzzword for your organisation
NordSafety look at safety concepts in two companies and discuss their outlook and results.
- Central Manchester University Hospital
Safer Sphere provided Health and Safety management to the challenging and fast moving construction projects.