Every year World Mental Health Day is recognised on the 10^th October. The theme of this year’s campaign is mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

The campaign is an opportunity for mental health professionals and charities to celebrate the fantastic work they do, it is an opportunity for those affected to share their story and a chance to reinforce key messages and raise awareness of mental health.

At least 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health problem each year. Many of these people will be employed. Working whilst suffering from mental health issues can often be difficult to manage, for the individual themselves, but also for their colleagues and employer. So it is important that businesses are aware of their responsibilities and have the right processes, training and support in place.

Many employers shy away from tackling mental health issues. They may be nervous to start conversations about mental health; they could be worried about saying the wrong thing or breaching discrimination legislation. Many bosses may just not know how to support someone experiencing mental health problems. As a result many employers will ‘bury their head in the sand’ hoping that problems will go away and often this does more harm than good.

Keep scrolling for bullet points of what good employers should be doing to tackle mental health issues at work…

What should employers be doing?

• Ensure that you understand your legal responsibilities and keep up to date with changes in legislation and case law

• Ensure that you policies, procedures and handbooks include guidance for those suffering with their mental health and that correct procedures are followed

• Ensure that matters are dealt with sensitively and in good time

• Provide the right training for your management staff

• Adapt your culture to encourage open discussions about mental health

• Raise awareness through internal events, sharing of information or appointing a mental health first aider into your workplace

• Be aware of the warning signs that someone is struggling and provide the right support

If you are concerned about employee issues, would like a bespoke training session for your management team or would like to review your office policies and handbooks to ensure you are compliant then please get in touch with our specialist Employment Law Team today.

Call us on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or interact with our Live Chat service.

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The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.  The law may have changed since this article was published.   Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.