Editor's message: Supporting employees with their mental health has never been more important. Furthermore, failing to manage employees' mental health can cause organisational problems, for example, sickness absence, poor employee morale and reduced productivity.
Organisations can help to boost employees’ mental health and wellbeing by encouraging them to talk to colleagues; to take a proper lunch break; and to seek advice from employee assistance programmes where available.
Employers should be proactive in monitoring the mental wellbeing of their employees and it is important that they understand the issues surrounding mental ill health and encourage disclosure in a sensitive way. Line managers play a key role in supporting employees who have a mental health condition and the employer should make sure that they provide comprehensive guidance and training for managers on how to do this confidently and effectively.
Having a policy or strategy to manage mental health in the workplace underlines an organisation’s commitment to promoting positive mental health and dealing with issues in a supportive way. It can also help to reduce the level of stigma surrounding mental ill health at work.
HR and legal information and guidance relating to mental health.