To mark the start of Mental Health Awareness week (May 10- 16th) employee benefits specialists and insurers are publishing new information to help employers better support their employees’ mental health in the workplace.
There has been a renewed focus on workplace mental health as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen a huge increase in the number of people working from home. While this has suited some it has also led to increased cases of anxiety, stress and depression with people being more isolated, often working longer hours and more vulnerable to burnout.
Research from Close Brothers found that more than half of employees have experienced increased concerns about their mental health due to the pandemic. It said around two in five (39 per cent) employees have experienced stress or worry due to financial problems.
MetLife UK head of HR Amy Tomlinson says: “Mental health is a subject that touches all of our lives and 2020, while challenging, has led to a more open conversation about mental health to begin.
“From anxiety about returning to the office and taking the train to work again, to financial insecurities following a pay cut or time spent furloughed, many worries are likely to remain in the coming months.”
She adds that employers have a key role to play in supporting staff. “From small steps such as encouraging open channels of communication, watching for employee burnout and allowing employees to go at their own pace, to reviewing current employee benefits policies and training mental health first aiders, businesses should ensure they are doing all they can to support staff both professionally and personally.”
Unum says it wants to help employers understand how they might better support their employee’s mental health and stress levels, particularly at a time when many employers are looking to transition to more hybrid working arrangements.
Natalie Rogers, chief people officer at Unum UK points out that after a year of remote working and periods of complete lockdown the mental health of both staff and managers is likely to have been negatively impacted.
She says employers need to be aware of return-to-work anxiety and and should prioritise listening to staff members about individual concerns.
She adds: “Communication is key. Most businesses will find their staff in favour of adopting a ‘hybrid’ working model this year onwards. This will mean managers may have a reduced team working in the office, whilst others continue to work some or all of the time from home.
“Therefore, additional attention is needed on the communication of all tasks, projects, company news and incentives and deadlines to ensure no one is excluded from important information, feels ignored or overlooked for remaining at home, which could cause increased online presenteeism. Having clear communication strategies mapped out ahead of time – with a range of people’s inputs – will help create an inclusive and positive working environment for all.”
Dr Subashini M, associate medical director, UK Health & Protection at Aviva says last week’s ONS figures show one in five UK adults experienced depression in early 2021, more than double pre-pandemic levels. She adds that Mental Health Awareness Week provides employers with a great opportunity to take stock of and discuss how to improve their employees’ mental wellbeing – and to match mental health awareness with actions.
She suggests adds that there are a number of steps employers can take to address this issue, and ensure employees mental health is supported all year round. These include effective line manager training and ensuring wellbeing apps and benefits are properly signposted, so employees know what mental health support is available.
Meanwhile Quilter is offering free mental health talks for financial advisers. It says: “The past year has been extremely challenging for everyone, not least financial advisers, who have had to cope with increased demands and workloads, whilst navigating a completely new ways of working to assist clients who need support through major financial and life events.
“Like many of us, advisers will find that they are more stressed and anxious as a result, and so as part of Quilter’s commitment to supporting advisers’ emotional wellbeing, these free talks are designed to offer support and guidance. “
The talks address a range of issues, from exploring some of the social and psychological reasons why we find it harder to switch off nowadays, and look at tips for how we can fully disconnect, to what we can all do to change our workplace culture for the better.