Creating a mentally healthy workplace Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing My role Experience as line manager Experience as an employee mind.org.uk

Our mission is simple

Mental health is everyone’s business We all have mental health same as we have physical health – it exists on a spectrum and we move up and down it from good to poor for any number of reasons Workplace can be a significant factor - but we don’t acknowledge it

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year Mental ill health is indiscriminate By 2020, depression will be the second most common cause of ill health worldwide

But people don’t talk about it… It is very much a hidden topic We have seen some changes in public attitudes with sports people and MPs talking about their personal experience But there is still a lot of stigma which feeds itself – it is a vicious circle

Stigma Silence around issue Scared to reveal problem Lack of knowledge Those with mental health problems Wider society Increases perception of stigma Scared to raise the issue Not educated about it growing up as we are about our physical health So it’s not spoken about until you have a problem Silence around issue

What is the current picture in workplaces? However, over the past 10 years we have seen some improvements but the workplace has lagged behind When does pressure become stress, when does stress become something more or when does it exacerbate an existing condition

Mental health at work Right now 1 in 6 workers is dealing with anxiety, depression or stress Work is the most stressful factor in people’s lives 40 per cent of employers view workers with mental health problems as a ‘significant risk’ What is the current picture? High prevalence among workers and they do state that work is the issue Employers view staff as a significant risk Mental health problems among workers cost the UK economy between £70–£100 billion per year, or 4.5 per cent of GDP

What are the causes? Issues with management Excessive workload and unrealistic targets Not enough support from colleagues Job insecurity The main causes are quite obvious (Mind poll data 2014) Frustration with poor management (54%) Excessive workload (52%) Not enough support from managers (47%) Unrealistic targets (45%) Not enough support from colleagues (33%) Job insecurity (27%)

Culture of silence Eight in ten employers have no mental health policy to help staff sustain good mental health 1 in 5 workers have called in sick due to stress but 95% gave a different reason to their boss Managers want to do more to improve staff mental wellbeing Staff would feel more loyal and committed if their employer took action on staff wellbeing So employers need to take the first step

How to create a mentally healthy workplace… In order to create a mentally healthy workplace, you need to implement a comprehensive approach that Promotes wellbeing for all staff Tackles the work-related causes of MHPs Supports staff experiencing a MHP across the spectrum Senior leadership is key to this

Best practice for employers A comprehensive mental health strategy will create an open and supportive working environment Three-pronged approach Promote wellbeing Tackle work-related mental health problems Support employees with mental health problems Senior leadership across the organisation is crucial 12

Promote wellbeing Get mental health on the agenda and build mental health literacy Strong leadership – positive, open and clear culture which values staff Support flexible working where possible Promote open dialogue and involve staff in decision- making Effective two-way communication Invest in your staff Promote physical and social activities Encourage peer support and buddy systems 13

Tackling the causes Routinely take stock of organisation’s mental health and wellbeing Organisational level Team level Individual level Ensure line managers are supported and confident on mental health Organise work efficiently and effectively and clearly communicate responsibilities and expectations Consider the physical environment Publicise internal and external support 14

Two people can experience the same condition very differently 15

Supporting employees Develop tailored support for individuals when needed. A useful tool is developing an Action Plan that covers: What keeps you well at work Workplace triggers and early warning signs Impact of mental health problem on performance Steps for the line manager to take  Steps for the individual to take Put in place support measures and workplace adjustments 16

How we can help

Support for employers Free e-newsletter with our latest updates Free guides for employers

Guides to developing a WAP 19

Training Mental health awareness Mental health stories Mental health and how to support someone Managing mental health at work Customer care and mental health Emotional intelligence and resilience Mental health awareness - introductory course on mental health Mental health stories - builds upon our introductory module and features individuals with lived experience of mental health problems Mental health and how to support someone – builds confidence in supporting colleagues, friends or family experiencing mental health problems Managing mental health at work - ideal for line managers, supervisors and others who support staff Customer care and mental health – ideal for frontline customer service in retail, emergency services or a call centre Emotional intelligence and resilience – builds knowledge of emotional intelligence, resilience and the techniques available for supporting a mindful approach to living

Workplace Wellbeing Index Introducing our benchmark of best policy and practice in workplace mental health In Autumn 2016, we launched a public Index recognising good mental health policy and practice in workplaces across the UK and Channel Islands and providing guidance on how to improve The Index will robustly assess where the gaps lie between an organisation’s approach to workplace wellbeing and staff perceptions

Support for individuals Local Minds – counselling services, job retention services Elefriends - our online community Mind Infoline and Legal Advice Service Free resources for employees on managing their mental health at work

Any questions?

mind.org.uk for general information To find out more: mind.org.uk/work for information and resources on mental health at work mind.org.uk for general information Contact: work@mind.org.uk 020 8215 2231 24