Blue Monday: Strategies for Fostering Mental Health in the Workplace

Blue Monday is claimed by many to be one of the most depressing days of the year, with post-festive financial constraints and failed New Year’s resolutions, so it’s the ideal time to assess ways in which mental health can be supported in the workplace.

Maintaining good mental health is not only crucial for individual wellbeing but also integral to creating a productive and harmonious workplace. Employers play a pivotal role in promoting mental health initiatives, fostering a supportive environment, and addressing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Recognising the impact of mental health on absenteeism and overall work performance, employers can implement a range of strategies to cultivate employee well-being.

The cost of mental health

Stress, anxiety, and depression consistently rank among the top concerns in employee health surveys, leading to increased workplace absenteeism. The impact of even moderate symptoms on productivity is undeniable. Acknowledging the spill-over effect of personal challenges into professional lives, employers have a vested interest in incorporating mental health into comprehensive well-being programs. While mental illnesses are highly treatable, untreated conditions result in heightened costs for employers, including increased absenteeism, work impairment, and on-site injuries. Encouraging effective treatment and offering support resources not only saves costs for employers but also enhances the overall quality of life for their employees.

Methods for addressing mental health

Employers embracing mental health initiatives stand to gain numerous workplace benefits, ranging from improved employee engagement to enhanced product quality and greater loyalty. To foster a workplace that prioritises both mental and physical health, consider implementing the following suggestions:

1. Disseminate information: Provide materials and messages about mental health through brochures, fact sheets, and online resources to increase awareness.
2. Confidential screenings: Offer confidential screenings for common mental health issues like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
3. Helplines: Encourage the use of telephone help lines to provide immediate support.
4. Training programs: Conduct mental health presentations and trainings for staff, emphasising prevention, treatment, and recovery messages.
5. Stress reduction initiatives: Offer stress reduction presentations and classes on conflict resolution, time management, and personal finance.
6. Flexible scheduling: Provide flexible scheduling for wellness classes, such as yoga, meditation and self-help groups.
7. Supportive work environment: Create an accommodating work environment for employees returning after mental health treatment, offering schedule flexibility and support.
8. Managerial training: Educate managers on recognising and addressing mental health issues impacting employee performance.
9. Policy review: Review and update policies related to privacy, accommodation, return to work and relevant regulations.
10. Workplace evaluation: Evaluate the workplace environment, organisation and culture to identify and address stressors and employee concerns.
11. Employee assistance coordinators: Provide assistance coordinators to help employees access community resources.
12. Comprehensive insurance: Maintain comprehensive medical insurance covering mental health in employee benefits packages, including screening and referral services.
13. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Implement an Employee Assistance Program to offer counselling and support services.

Prioritising mental health initiatives within the workplace is a strategic investment that not only benefits employees but also contributes to a healthier, more productive work environment. By fostering open communication, providing resources, and implementing supportive policies, employers can play a vital role in cultivating the well-being of their workforce.

January is often a tough time for many people mentally, and ‘Blue Monday’ further highlights it when all those bills come in after Christmas and the longer nights make it a depressing time. We are lucky enough to have an excellent Mental Health First Aider, Sue Smith, in our office, so we thought having an insight into her role would highlight the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace.

Sue’s role, which is in addition to her Team Leader position, is designed to support people if they want to talk about something that is causing them concern or worry. Sue says, “We always promote the fact that we operate an open-door policy, as well as the senior management.  Luckily, we work in an open plan office, and as many of us have worked for Sutcliffe’s for many years, we can often pick up if something is bothering someone or if someone is struggling, and we always try to help wherever we can, both on a personal and a work level. It is important that people have someone who will listen to them without judgment.”

In February 2020 Sue attended a training course in Birmingham run by MHIB (Mental Health in Business) over 2 days and learnt so much about mental health, she says “We explored the effects that mental health can have on people, the impact on family/friends and how as trained Mental Health First Aiders we can help, offer support and signpost to different organisations. This relates to anything, whether that be family issues, depression, anxiety, general mental wellbeing – with mental health, it can sometimes be something that creeps up on you.”

“We all get stressed and overwhelmed at times with different situations, but it is when the overwhelming feeling doesn’t go away and just starts to consume you. Not everyone knows or realises the signs and symptoms, and before you know it, you are properly suffering with mental health, so much so that help and support are needed.” 

“Following on from doing the course, I felt inspired by the course leader, Claire Russell and her story, so I started the process of volunteering for Samaritans, of which I have now been a fully qualified listening volunteer for just over a year. People need to understand that talking is key, it is not a sign of weakness or not being “normal”, talking can show strength in recognising you need help and support and talking is the first step.”

Sue continues with her mental health training and has recently completed an online course, a Level 2 qualification in Children and Young People’s Mental Health and a TQUK Level 2 in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention course.

Since Sue embarked on her mental health training, other members of the team have also taken training to increase their awareness, and enable them not only to support colleagues, but also to be more aware of their own mental health and that of their friends and families.

We are so lucky to have Sue in the team at Sutcliffe, and we hope her actions to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace will inspire other companies to do the same. On Blue Monday, we congratulate Sue for all her achievements as the Mental Health First Aider at Sutcliffe & Co.

Start the discussion about mental health this Blue Monday and reap the benefits all year long. Contact Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers for more information on 01905 21681 or email Enquiries@sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk