https://wellbeing.bitc.org.uk/system/files/research/bitc_mental_health_2017_exec_summary_0.pdf

A recent survey completed by National Employee Mental Wellbeing Survey in partnership with YouGov. Headline statistics from the 2017 survey detailed that less than 24% of managers had received any mental health training and 58% of managers would welcome mental health training.  Encouragingly 58% of employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health.

So, it appears we are getting better about talking about our mental health, but as line managers and supervisors, we need to get better in understanding how to support our teams and colleagues better.  

Organisations need to start treating mental health the same as physical health in order for a positive work place culture to develop. It is important to create an environment where people can communicate openly about their mental health and seek help.  

Creating a culture of openness with organisations can help support well-being through embedding mental health awareness into inductions, finding out how stressed are your team in team meetings and communicating clearly so people are not overloaded with information. When we are clear with what we are saying, and tasks are manageable, we can avoid overloading people which leads to stress.  

Top five hints for managers:

Be present and available to your teams

Supervisions and one to ones should be about listening rather than task delegation. Ask people how they feel and what they need to get their job done. This is your time as a manager to get feedback on your performance and good managers will always want to know.  

Valuing individuals

Treating people with respect and dignity, simple things such as saying thank you for a task well done or praising them about the work they have done goes a long way to making someone feel valued. If a person constantly hears negativity, how will that make them feel? Don’t wait until the next one to one meeting or supervision to tell someone they are doing a good job, firstly you will never remember and secondly the moment will have passed.  

Creating a positive work environment

Recognising team and individual achievements creates energy and enthusiasm. Make sure employees work together collaboratively. Working in silos creates isolation and can lead to employees not being clear about their objectives.  

Raise awareness

As managers, we are in a position to challenge prejudice and stigma through our every day practices. Talking about mental health removes the stigma, and by “practicing what you preach” you will encourage others to want to be part of the organisational journey of accepting and promoting the mental health and wellbeing agenda.  Sign up to https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/get-involved-workplace/champions-workplace/becoming-champion-my-workplace and create a workplace that values people.  

Engage your employees

Empower your team to understand their roles in the organisation, and let them know that they are part of the bigger picture by including them in decisions. Give people room to be creative is really empowering and makes people feel included and able to contribute as well as feeling they are valued.