Mental health has become something of a buzzword in recent years, with more organisations waking up to the reality of the significance of mental wellbeing for employee satisfaction and performance. But beyond just preaching its importance, how can employers actively support the mental wellbeing of their team? And how can businesses integrate a holistic approach that accounts for physical health alongside this? Keep reading to explore the impact of physical and mental health and wellbeing at work.
The Importance of Wellbeing at Work
Why is wellbeing important in the workplace? Firstly, wellbeing directly impacts productivity, morale, and overall job satisfaction. If an employee feels mentally and physically supported, they are instantly more engaged, focused, and better equipped to tackle their roles with confidence. Showing employees genuine care and concern for their wellbeing, both in and out of work, will infinitely boost their performance – they will show that same respect back, and likely apply themselves to a greater degree.
With improved performance and better job satisfaction comes a more positive company culture – a business is only as good as their team, and any prospective employees will see that. The company will become an attractive place to work, and will also likely have less turnover rates, benefiting both staff and management.
The Link Between Physical Health & Mental Wellbeing at Work
Physical health and mental wellbeing are deeply connected, both in the office and within the personal lives of a team. Firstly, there is the factor of physical activity working to boost endorphins, foster a healthier body, and cultivate a more active lifestyle, all of which contribute to a happier day-to-day and improved mental health.
Looking after your physical health also helps to support cognitive function, with better clarity of mind and ability to perform mentally. This is invaluable when it comes to completing tasks at work – employees who are actively nurturing their physical health will typically be able to learn faster and develop better decision-making abilities.
From another perspective, if physical health is neglected then mental wellbeing will inevitably follow – poor health habits can lead to fatigue, decreased motivation, irritability, and higher susceptibility to mental health struggles. For this reason, promoting physical health initiatives significantly contributes to a more positive and productive work environment.
Strategies for Employers to Support Both Physical & Mental Health
If you’re an employer looking for ways to boost physical and mental wellness at work, consider these key strategies for improving employee wellbeing.
Implement Wellness Initiatives
This could look like anything from company benefits, such as access to gym facilities or company-wide yoga classes, to providing support systems to staff, such as counselling or therapy opportunities.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Little healthy habits here and there can work wonders for a team’s mental and physical wellbeing. Encourage regular breaks – maybe a 10-minute walk where staff can get outside in nature – and encourage nutritious, balanced options for lunchtime in the office.
Run Workshops
Mental health initiatives like stress management workshops and mindfulness training programmes are essential for spreading awareness and boosting knowledge of mental wellbeing amongst a team, and they also work wonders for helping employees feel supported and cared for at work.
Foster a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a positive culture that prioritises a healthy work-life balance is also crucial to supporting the wellbeing of a workforce. Offer flexibility – consider what’s at play outside of work that will help to boost the physical and mental health of your team. Certain members of staff may want to start an hour later so they can hit the gym before work, or leave an hour earlier to pick up their kids from school and spend quality time with their family. Communicate, and remain open to change – your team will thank you for it.
Understanding the Legal Rights Related to Mental Health in the Workplace
Getting to grips with the legalities of mental health in the workplace is crucial for any member of staff, be that employer or employee.
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against those struggling with mental health conditions, and requires employers to make any necessary adjustments in order to support them.
There is also the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, extending beyond physical health to encompass mental wellbeing also.
The Data Protection Act 2018 is another key legal area to familiarise yourself with as an employer – alongside the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this governs the handling of sensitive personal data, including mental health information, ensuring confidentiality and privacy both in and out of the office.
Understanding and adhering to these laws isn’t just essential for staying on the right side of the law, but for ensuring an organisation upholds a certain standard that benefits the team as a whole.
The Role of First Aid Training in the Workplace
First Aid Training Courses
As far as looking out for physical wellbeing goes, nothing quite extends beyond proper first aid training. Being prepared and informed is the best way to mitigate risk and keep employees protected, and training is the way to go if you want to ensure your staff are informed and aware. Training also helps staff to feel supported, as their employer is taking active steps to ensure they’re kept safe and secure.
Mental Health First Aid Training
First aid training isn’t just physical – mental health first aid is just as important for supporting employee wellbeing. These are courses designed to help staff identify, understand, and respond to early signs of mental illness so that they can take the steps to support themselves and each other as soon as possible.
How We Can Help
Proper training requires professional support. Luckily, help is at hand – at The HR Dept, we offer extensive support in both physical and mental health first aid training, with a range of courses and programmes available to support your staff, raise awareness, and encourage early intervention practices. If you’re looking for expert support tailored directly to the unique needs of your organisation, reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
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