A person who has a mental health problem can find their workplace either a source of stress and worry or a place of comfort. The workplace can provide an individual with an identity, a group of friends and a structure to daily life. It gives people goals and something to contribute towards.

Workplaces can also bring pressures which have an adverse effect on someone's mental health. It is extremely important that all employers play their part in supporting an employees mental wellbeing so that the workplace remains a place where people feel positive and comfortable, and not a place that contributes towards mental health problems.

Why Do We Not Discuss Our Mental Health at Work?

19% of staff feel that they can't talk to their manager about stress at work, according to the charity Mind, and that is only people who feel they can't talk about stress let alone other mental health problems.

Employees are too scared to tell their employer that they have a mental health problem even though 1 in 4 people are affected in the workplace.

However, not talking about the problem can cause symptoms to get worse, reduce productivity and make everyday life for personal concerns even more difficult.

The reason mental health at work is not discussed enough is due to the stigma surrounding it, often making it a difficult subject to talk about, people also fear that they will be judged or receive special treatment because of how they are.

It is important that employers understand how to start a conversation about mental health in order to promote a positive attitude in the workplace. This includes talking to individuals as well as the company as a whole.

The employer should look to have the following in place:

Positive policies on disabilities and equality at work
Encourage everyone involved your company to take a more positive view of mental health problems - it will be dealt with the same as any physical health concern
Show that you are looking after the staff mental health, making the topic easier to discuss
Will maintain morale and retain staff, showing a positive message of the company's values
Ensure there is a clear signal to staff that their mental health matters, and that discussing it will not lead to discrimination

Recognising a Problem

As an employer, you are probably familiar with people's individual characters and so are well-placed to spot symptoms or behaviours that are out of the ordinary. If you do notice anything different, be understanding and supportive, not critical.

Triggers at work, that may need to be adapted or eliminated to reduce mental health and stress at the workplace

Long hours and no/infrequent breaks
Unrealistic expectations or deadlines
Pressurised working environment
Inability to use annual leave
Poor internal communication
Job insecurity

Talking About Your Mental Health

There are no special skills in talking about mental health, just common sense, patience and empathy. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem and has not spoken to you or anyone else, have the courage to take the lead and start the conversation. Sometimes individuals may not have the confidence to bring their mental health up and may appreciate your time and care.

Managers need to ensure they are approachable and seen as wanting to help, doing regular well-being checks with all staff.

When discussions have been had with someone about their mental health, ensure that confidentiality is maintained, unless a person's safety or other safety is at risk you would then have a duty to share this information with the appropriate person. Trust is very powerful and shouldn't be underestimated.

If a colleague is unwell with a mental health problem it can be difficult to watch them becoming distressed or ill.

You may be unsure of what you can do to help them, and worry that you will say the wrong thing or be concerned about how this will affect your business running on a daily basis. These are all normal reactions to have.

However, the main thing that can be done to help is to simply offer support, even the smallest of actions can make a huge difference.