The biennial survey from the Trades Union Congress revealed that 70 per cent of companies have cited stress as the most significant hazard affecting their employees, making it the leading workplace health and safety concern.
Stress has most likely earned this distinction because it can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In fact, two-thirds of employees have experienced symptoms of poor mental health as a result of their workplace environment, according to research published by the charity, Business in the Community (BITC). In addition, HSE research shows that workplace stress is responsible for 37 per cent of all work-related ill health and 45 per cent of all working days are lost due to ill health. What’s more, 94 per cent of business leaders have admitted to being prejudiced against people with mental health issues in their organisations, and 49 per cent of employees have stated that they would not talk to their manager(s) about a mental health issue. For that reason, your organisation should make it a priority to ensure that your employees have strong mental health, as it can help improve overall workplace health and safety.
One way to accomplish this is by having your managers attend a mental health first-aid course. The course is divided into four separate sections and teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. If your organisation is interested in the course, you can find more information by clicking here.
Another strategy to help support your employees’ mental health is relying on BITC’s free Mental Health for Employers Toolkit, which offers simplified tools to help every organisation support the mental health and wellbeing of its employees.
For further risk management advice that is tailored to your organisation, please take a look at Bollington's risk management services.
