The time has come to do more

Many of us are encouraged to do things to actively improve our physical health - but how many of us take a similar proactive approach to improving our mental health?

Sadly, mental health problems are all too common in the workplace, and it is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK - with a staggering 70 million work days lost each year. And according to a report published by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), this costs the UK economy at least £118 billion annually - around 5 percent of the UK’s GDP. Clearly the cost of mental ill-health is not simply a financial issue, but calculating the cost and impact of mental health problems can be very persuasive when making the case for investment in preventing them.

We have become much more aware of what mental health is and the impact it has on our lives - no more so than through the global pandemic where employers really started to witness the impact physical distancing, social isolation, and lockdown was having on individuals. But being more aware and talking about mental health is just the start. We have to become a nation that takes a much more proactive approach towards protecting our wellbeing, and that of those around us - be it at home or in the workplace.

Below are five steps to consider, and think about how you might build into your everyday life.

Connect with others

Build strong, wider social connections and relationships to help you feel happier, more secure, and give a greater sense of purpose.

Be active

We tend to think that the mind and body are separate. But what you do with your body can have a powerful effect on your mental wellbeing.

Keep learning

Learning can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, whilst helping to build a sense of purpose and a way to connect with others.

Give to others

Make small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones - such as volunteering in your local community. They can give you a sense of purpose, make you feel happier and more satisfied with life.

Be mindful

Pay regular attention to the present moment - to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you.

These are just five steps to help improve and maintain your mental health and wellbeing - there are many more tools and resources available. Surely the time has come to do more than just raise awareness of mental health in the workplace.

LET’S MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER

Get in touch if you would like to equip yourself and your employees with an improved understanding of, and tools to support, the mental health and well-being in the workplace.