The time has come to do more

Many of us are encouraged to do things to actively improve our physical health - but how many of us take a similar proactive approach to improving our mental health?

Sadly, mental health problems are all too common in the workplace, & it is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK - with a staggering 70 million work days lost each year. And according to a report published by Mental Health Foundation & the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), this costs the UK economy at least £118 billion annually - around 5 percent of the UK’s GDP. Clearly the cost of mental ill-health is not simply a financial issue, but calculating the cost & impact of mental health problems can be very persuasive when making the case for investment in preventing them.

We have become much more aware of what mental health is & the impact it has on our lives - no more so than through the global pandemic where employers really started to witness the impact physical distancing, social isolation, & lockdown was having on individuals. But being more aware & talking about mental health is just the start. We have to become a nation that takes a much more proactive approach towards protecting our wellbeing, & that of those around us - be it at home or in the workplace.

Below are five steps to consider, & think about how you might build into your everyday life.

Connect with others

Build strong, wider social connections & relationships to help you feel happier, more secure, & give a greater sense of purpose.

Be active

We tend to think that the mind & body are separate. But what you do with your body can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing.

Keep learning

Learning can boost your self-confidence & self-esteem, whilst helping to build a sense of purpose & a way to connect with others.

Give to others

Make small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones - such as volunteering in your local community. They can give you a sense of purpose, make you feel happier & more satisfied with life.

Be mindful

Pay regular attention to the present moment - to your own thoughts & feelings, & to the world around you.

These are just five steps to help improve & maintain your mental health & wellbeing - there are many more tools & resources available. Surely the time has come to do more than just raise awareness of mental health in the workplace.

LET’S MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER

Get in touch if you would like to equip yourself & your employees with an improved understanding of, & tools to support, the mental health & well-being in the workplace.