Protect your employees’ mental wellbeing

Keeping your workforce happy and healthy - both physically and mentally - should be a priority for all employers. The pandemic has altered the working world in many ways and we’ve all had to make changes to the way we work in order to continue in our roles successfully.

These changes, or  one of a range of other factors, could mean that many of us are still struggling to cope at work or to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Working from home - for at least part of the week - has become the norm for many. While it’s great that employers are embracing the changes to make positive long-term adjustments to benefit their employees, it is still an adjustment to make and one that some may find difficult.

Some workers may find working from isolating or they may have difficulty focusing on work when they’re not in a working environment. There’s also the flip side, where people working from home may be unable to ‘switch off’ at the end of the working day, as their ‘office’ is actually their home, so there’s little differentiation and no time to wind down on the commute home. 

Since 2015, online searches for ‘occupational burnout’ have increased by more than 2,500 per cent, with the pandemic exacerbating this increase. According to recent research, over 70% of people have experienced burnout over the past year, with 25% of UK employees feeling they have reached breaking point psychologically. 

In addition to this, only 16% feel their mental health needs are being supported at work. With UK job vacancies at a record high - 1,288,000 in January-March 2022 - it is now more important than ever to ensure the wellbeing of our staff in order to retain them.

What is burnout?

Burnout has recently been officially classified as a mental illness and the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as ‘a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed’.

But where does manageable work-related stress end and burnout begin? Burnout is when work-related anxiety increases to the point where it causes clinically significant impairment to a person’s wellbeing and their ability to function. 

Signs that employers should look out for:

• Physical  – employees may appear tired, fatigued or lethargic; there could be a change in their eating patterns or energy levels and an increase in illnesses due to a compromised immune system.

• Emotional – individuals may be irritable, lack enthusiasm or motivation, display mood swings or describe feeling overwhelmed, anxious and down. 

• Cognitive – employees may be easily distracted, exhibit brain fog, short-term memory loss and reduced professional capability or struggle to concentrate. 
  
  

Mental health courses at PETA

With the effects of the past two years weighing heavily on us, you may feel you need a little more support managing your employees’ mental wellbeing. At PETA we offer a suite of mental health courses that will raise awareness of mental health and guide managers on creating and sustaining a mentally healthy work environment.

Mental Health Aware
This four-hour introductory session is suitable for all staff and raises awareness of mental health. Delegates will gain an understanding of what mental health is, acquire a basic knowledge of some common mental health issues and receive an introduction to looking after their own mental health and maintaining wellbeing. Key topics include:

• What is mental health?
• Spotting signs of distress
• Mental health conditions
• Supporting mental health in the workplace

Next course: 15 July - book online!

Mental Health First Aid
This two-day course is ideal for senior managers or anyone with responsibility for staff wellbeing. This interactive course will provide the knowledge and tools needed to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, prevent mental health issues getting worse and speeding up recovery. Key topics include:

• What is mental health?
• Impact of mental health issues
• Depression in the workplace
• Non-judgemental listening skills
• Treatment and resource for anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders
• Warning signs of developing psychosis
• Action planning for using Mental Health First Aid

Next course: 20 June - book online!

Mental Health First Aid Champions
Suitable for any staff member to help them understand mental health and how they can offer support to those experiencing a mental health issue(s). This interactive, one-day course will provide an overview in recognising the main signs and symptoms of mental ill health and how to provide the right initial support. Key topics include:

• Supporting mental health in the workplace
• Mental health conditions
• Recovery
• Stigma and mental health issues

Next course: 10 August - book online!

Mental Health First Aid Refresher
A half-day refresher for anyone who has previously attended a two-day Mental Health First Aid course.

Next course: 24 May - book online!

For more information on our mental health courses, please call our friendly and knowledgeable team on 023 9253 8700 or get in touch via our contact form.

Sources:
Peoplemanagement.co.uk
Metro.co.uk
Fortune.com
ons.gov.uk