30 Oct Supporting mental health in the workplace
During the month of October, we recognise World Mental Health Day. An occasion marked by the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness of mental health issues and to combat the social stigma surrounding it.
Nurturing mental health in the workplace is incredibly important for the wellbeing of employees. After all, the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. So, it’s important that wellbeing is prioritised at work, as well as at home.
Statistics from the Workplace Wellbeing Index, supplied by the mental health charity, Mind, reinforce the fact that “valued and supported employees are more productive, stay with your organisation for longer and deliver the best outcomes”. It’s the responsibility of the employer to ensure a satisfied workforce, however, helping employees spot the early signs of declining mental health, can help to flag up any problems sooner.
According to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation, roughly 8.6% of manufacturing workers suffer from anxiety or insomnia. If this goes untreated, it can lead to further problems including fatigue, confusion and brain fog – which can create a risk of severe accidents on the production floor. In an industrial environment, where potentially dangerous machines are handled, being aware of the warning signs of declining mental health can help to prevent potentially life-altering injuries.
Warning signs to look out for in yourself and other employees
- Looking tired and withdrawn
- Emotional outbursts
- Feeling anxious or worried all the time
- Being quieter than usual
- Changes in appetite
- Overall lack of energy
- Loss of interest in day-to-day activities
What you should do to help
- If you notice these signs in a colleague, ask if they would like to talk so you can understand how they’re feeling. If you notice any feelings more severe than this, voice your concerns to a senior member of staff as soon as possible.
- If you notice these signs within yourself, reach out to whoever you feel comfortable speaking to, a problem shared is a problem halved.
At Dawson Shanahan, we provide our employees with a 24/7 mental health service to offer helpful guidance and resources, as well as access to a GP whenever they require. Members of staff with specialised mental health training are always available to help employees to manage any concerns.
Other helpful resources can be found through charities such as Mind and the Samaritans. These can be particularly helpful if you’d like to talk to someone outside of your organisation or personal life to give you complete unbiased advice and support.