How to create an inclusive work culture by prioritising mental health

Written by Martina Witter – Rapha Therapy & Training Services

Mental health has become a prevalent topic in recent years, with good reason. The historic COVID pandemic and cost of living crisis  has brought the importance of mental well-being to the forefront, and with most people spending a significant amount of time at work, creating an inclusive work culture that prioritises mental health is crucial. The estimated number of workers in Great Britain suffering a work-related illness is 1.8 million with stress, depression, and anxiety making up around half of cases, new figures show. (HSE , November 2022)

A positive and supportive work environment can significantly impact an employee’s mental well-being, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction,happiness and better overall health. In this blog post, I will discuss why companies need to create an inclusive work culture that prioritises mental health and how they can do it.

Context

1. According to a survey by Mind, the UK’s leading mental health charity, 60% of employees say they have experienced a mental health problem because of work or where work was a contributing factor. (source: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/workplace-wellbeing-index/previous-indexes/2018-19-workplace-wellbeing-index-report.pdf)
2. The same survey found that 31% of respondents have been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition, with many others not seeking help due to the stigma around mental health. (source: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/workplace-wellbeing-index/previous-indexes/2018-19-workplace-wellbeing-index-report.pdf)
3. A study conducted by Deloitte found that poor mental health in the workplace costs UK employers between £33 billion and £42 billion each year. (source: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/public-sector/deloitte-uk-mental-health-and-employers-summit-2017.pdf)
4. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that work-related stress, anxiety, and depression accounted for 54% of all working days lost due to ill health in 2019/20. (source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress.pdf)
5. A survey by Bupa found that 90% of employees believe that a supportive employer can help people with mental health issues. (source: https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/our-views/mental-health-workplace)

Importance of Creating an Inclusive Work Culture:

Creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, mental health problems are prevalent, and many employees experience them. As mentioned in the Mind survey, 60% of employees say they have experienced a mental health problem because of work or where work was a contributing factor. Therefore, it is in the employer’s best interest to address this issue and create a work environment that supports employees’ mental well-being. Failure to do so can result in absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased staff turnover.

Secondly, employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes their mental health. Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees from harm, and that includes harm to their mental health. Failing to provide a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health can result in lawsuits and compensation claims.

Thirdly, creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is beneficial for the employer. Studies have shown that employees who work in an environment that prioritizes mental health are more productive, have better job satisfaction, and are less likely to leave their jobs. The Deloitte study mentioned earlier found that poor mental health in the workplace costs UK employers between £33 billion and £42 billion each year. Employers who prioritize mental health can reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, resulting in significant cost savings.

Finally, creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is the right thing to do. Employers have a moral obligation to ensure their employees are happy and healthy, and this includes their mental well-being. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, and creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health is a step towards achieving this.

How to Create an Inclusive Work Culture that Prioritizes Mental Health:

Now that we understand why creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is essential, let’s look at how employers can do it.

1. Promote Open Communication: One of the most effective ways to create an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is to promote open communication. Employees should feel comfortable talking to their managers about any mental health issues they may be facing. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, and providing access to mental health resources.
2. Provide Mental Health Resources: Employers should provide mental health resources to their employees, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or access to counselling/therapy services. These resources should be easy to access, in different languages  and confidential to ensure employees feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
3. Educate Employees: Employers should educate their employees about mental health to reduce the stigma around it. This can be achieved through training sessions, workshops, and providing access to educational resources.
4. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Employers should prioritize work-life balance to reduce stress and burnout. This can be achieved through flexible working hours, remote work options, and offering paid time off.
5. Lead by Example: Employers should lead by example and prioritize their own mental health. This can be achieved through taking regular breaks, managing their workload, and seeking help when needed.

Creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is crucial for the well-being of employees and the success of a company. Mental health problems are prevalent and on the rise, and failure to address them can result in absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased staff turnover. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including their mental health. Employers who prioritize mental health can reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, resulting in significant cost savings. Creating an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health is the right thing to do, and employers have a moral obligation to ensure their employees are happy and healthy. By promoting open communication, providing mental health resources, educating employees, prioritizing work-life balance, and leading by example, employers can create an inclusive work culture that prioritizes mental health and thrives.

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Martina Witter

Health and Wellbeing Consultant

Rapha Therapy and Training Services