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

2. Our mission is simple

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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%)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Two people can experience the same condition very differently15

16. 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

17. How we can help

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

19. Guides to developing a WAP19

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Any questions?

24. 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: 24