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The annual event Mental Health Awareness Week is a time for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.
The event started 21 years ago and each year the Mental Health Foundation continues to set a theme, organise and host the week. This year it focusses on loneliness.
Mental Health can now be classed as a disability, so it is no good overlooking it or burying your head in the sand as an employer. In fact, evidence shows that by positively addressing the subject of mental health – let’s call it mental fitness – it is possible to align business goals with employee wellbeing.
“Anxiety and stress account for 49% of all lost working days.” Habitaction.com
We have put together three top tips to kickstart your thinking, both as an employer and an employee, in this most important subject…
1: Write it into your policies – as a company you could make it your mission to treat mental illness seriously; identify issues proactively and resolve them; support employees who face mental health problems; and create pleasant workplaces in collaboration with managers, employees, unions and health experts.


2: Offer advice, support or signposting – just having a third person, like Colman Kayman, to talk to can help. This can be a HR professional, a First Aider specifically linked to Mental Health or just a clear signposting support that points your team in the right direction.
3: Create a breakout space – We’re not talking Google here – just a small space that allows people to take time out, destress and recalibrate. According to Habit Action “Businesses with effective communication and collaboration are 50% more likely to have lower employee turnover.”

Brownlows Furniture, in Cheshire, have created a special mental health garden for its team to enjoy and escape to. The success of it has been evident to productivity and recruitment too. This is a company that really cares about its employees’ wellbeing! The place is used for Friday morning BBQ breakfasts, evening get togethers, and regular 5-minute breaks.
Contact us to discuss how we can help you provide a safe and productive work environment for you and your team.