Are you an employer who wants to make a lasting impact on mental health? Here are five expert-backed tips from Action Mental Health’s Workplace Wellbeing specialists to help cultivate positive change in your workplace.
Prevention is key when it comes to workplace mental health. Research shows that early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term mental health conditions. In Northern Ireland, around one in five [1] adults experience a mental health issue at any given time, yet many do not seek support early enough.
Embedding mental health training, workshops, and awareness initiatives can equip staff with the tools they need to manage their own wellbeing. Proactive support can lead to lower absenteeism, reduced presenteeism, and improved overall staff morale.
Managers are often the first point of contact for employees experiencing mental health challenges. However, a recent UK survey found that only 24% of managers feel confident supporting a team member experiencing poor mental health [2]. Without the right training, managers may struggle to have compassionate conversations or provide appropriate signposting.
Providing managers with mental health training empowers them to support their teams effectively, fostering a more open and understanding workplace culture.
Workplace mental health support should be easy to access and clearly communicated. Whether you implement Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Champions, or an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), it’s vital that staff know where to turn when they need help.
A UK study found that for every £1 invested in workplace mental health interventions, businesses see an average return of £5 due to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity [3]. Investing in accessible mental health support is not just beneficial for employees but also makes good business sense.
Creating meaningful change requires more than one-off initiatives. To truly embed mental health as a priority, businesses should take a whole-organisation approach. This means ensuring that workplace policies, procedures, and leadership strategies reflect a commitment to employee wellbeing.
In Northern Ireland, mental health-related sickness absence costs employers hundreds of millions of pounds [1] each year. Companies that embed wellbeing into their culture experience higher retention rates and improved workplace satisfaction.
Supporting mental health in the workplace can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Action Mental Health, we specialise in equipping employers with the tools and expertise needed to support employee wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for early intervention training, consultancy on mental health policies, or a comprehensive strategy to embed wellbeing into your organisation, our Workplace Wellbeing team is here to help.
Let’s work together to create healthier, more resilient workplaces across Northern Ireland!
