Content warning: This email contains references to suicide. The information provided is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing often takes a backseat amidst daily pressures. This month focuses on stress awareness and mental wellbeing, emphasising the importance of recognising and managing stress to foster a balanced and productive life. With World Suicide Prevention Day held on 10 September 2024, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care and support each other in these efforts.
We are supporting The Baton of Hope UK- a national suicide prevention charity and would encourage you to sign your workplace to the Workplace Pledge. You can register your interest in the Workplace Pledge here https://batonofhopeuk.org/workplace-pledge/
This year’s theme “Changing the narrative on suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need. Each week, approximately 115 people die by suicide in the UK. Research has found that as many as 10% of suicides each year could be work-related.
This guide offers practical tips and resources to help you navigate stress and enhance mental health at work.
Training can help to create supportive cultures where wellbeing and productivity thrive.
Impact of Stress at Work
Work-related stress arises when job demands exceed an employee’s capabilities, resources, or needs, leading to detrimental physical and emotional responses. The effects of stress are profound, with 17.1 million working days lost to stress, depression, and anxiety in 2022/23, and 49% of work-related ill-health attributed to these issues.
While some pressure can boost engagement and productivity, excessive stress can lead to burnout, necessitating external support and a long recovery. Prolonged stress can result in:
- Increased absenteeism
- Reduced productivity
- Decreased creativity
- Poor team morale
- High staff turnover
Employers are legally obligated to protect staff from work-related stress under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Failing to manage stress can lead to costly employment claims, making stress management crucial for reducing absenteeism, boosting engagement, and safeguarding the business.
Common Causes of Work-Related Stress
Several factors can contribute to work-related stress, including:
- Lack of control over workload
- High demands and unclear responsibilities
- Fear of redundancy or organisational changes
- Poor management and support
- Difficult relationships with colleagues
- Workplace bullying or harassment
- Discrimination
Top Tips for Managing Workplace Stress
1. Risk Assessment and Stress Audits
Regularly evaluating stressors through risk assessments can highlight areas of concern and guide corrective measures. We recommend using the attached individual stress risk assessment to identify specific stressors affecting employees and develop targeted strategies for mitigation.
2. Line Manager Training
Equip managers with the skills to recognise stress signs and foster open, supportive communication. Training should focus on identifying stress symptoms and creating a supportive environment for staff.
3. Stress and Mental Wellbeing Policy
Develop a comprehensive policy outlining your commitment to mental wellbeing, addressing work-related stress, and supporting mental health. Engaging with staff in creating this policy ensures it meets their needs and fosters a supportive work environment. If you are a Watertight client please contact your advisor to receive a free policy, if you are not a Watertight client you can purchase a policy for £75 + VAT by emailing [email protected]
The Importance of Mental Health Policies
Employers have a duty of care to protect staff’s physical and psychological health. A well-crafted wellbeing and mental health policy should:
- Monitor working hours to prevent overworking
- Ensure employees use their holiday entitlement
- Include specific stress risk assessments
- Facilitate flexible working arrangements where possible
- Offer training on stress and mental health
- Provide support through employee assistance programs
- Such a policy helps managers confidently handle difficult conversations and supports staff in seeking necessary help.
Promoting Wellbeing in the Workplace
Effective strategies for promoting wellbeing include:
- Walk and Talk lunch groups
- Encouraging healthy eating habits
- Conducting welfare one-to-ones with staff
- Organising dress-down days
- Implementing mental health first aiders
A holistic approach tailored to individual needs is crucial for maintaining wellbeing.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at 0333 888 1360 or email [email protected].
