1. Building a healthy workplace

2. Definitions
Work : application of physical and mental knowledge & skills; commitment over time; effort, labour & exertion
Employment : contract of employment for pay; set of specific tasks, located in specific physical/social context

3. Definitions
Health : usually operationalized in terms of absence of physical and mental symptoms, illness and morbidity
Well-being : the subjective state of being healthy, happy, contented, comfortable and satisfied with one’s quality of life

4. Work and health
Possible causal pathways between health, work and well-being

5. Work
Work provides income: material well-being and participation in today’s society
Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm
Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status
Employment and socio-economic status are the main drivers of social gradients in health

6. Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures
Some groups more likely to report mental health issues:
Women
Non-managers
Not-for-profit sector
Unionized employees

7. A healthy working life is:
‘one that continuously provides working-age people with the opportunity, ability, support and encouragement to work in ways and in an environment which allows them to sustain and improve their health and well-being’ (Scottish Executive 2004)
‘Work should be comfortable when we are well and accommodating when we are ill’ (Hadler 1997)

8. What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?
Workloads are monitored
Overtime is compensated
Workload
Flexible work arrangements exist
Work Scheduling
Work-life balance is promoted
Employees encouraged to take vacation
Employees not expected to respond to 24/7
Work-Life Balance

9. What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?
People are friendly, empathetic, understanding, and supportive
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerated
Not a high-stress environment; no hostility or conflict
Work Environment
Managers are well trained and good people managers
Managers are not autocratic, authoritarian, controlling, and aggressive
Employees are not blamed or punished for mistakes
Management Style
Open communication between management and employees
Human resource professionals and managers are approachable
Discussions are kept confidential
Communication

10. Additional Training For Front-Line Managers
Recognizing signs and symptoms
Community supports available
Medical factors influencing mental health issues
Strategies for keeping employees functional and successful in the workplace
Responses to negative reactions
Insight into legal requirements
Handling difficult conversations
Softer skills
Creating an inclusive work environment

11. Creating Positive Change in Organizations
Focus on education and communication to reduce fear, stigma and discrimination
Create a culture conducive to good mental health
Demonstrate leadership at the top
Provide the tools and training to support managers in their role

12. Building a Healthy Workplace – Leadership Development
Building trust
Ensuring each employee understands their purpose
Setting clear expectations
Focusing on the most important priorities
Creating a circle of accountability
Growing and developing their employees
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Understanding mental health aspects in the workplace
Literature, courses etc…
GWL Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

13. Changing the culture of work & health
Culture: The collective attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that characterise a particular social group over time
Benefits culture – e.g. South Wales valleys where 2 and even 3 generations of family not worked

14. Shifting attitudes to work & health
Current:
Shift to:
Work is a ‘risk’ and (potentially) harmful to physical and mental health.
Work is healthy, therapeutic & the best form of rehab.
vs.
Risks of long-term sickness absence
therefore
Advice to stay off / sickness absence / sick certification ‘protects’ from work
Advice and support to remain in or (early) return to work
The key idea is that work is therapeutic and the best form of rehabilitation