Safety Spotlight: Stress Awareness and Managing Mental Health

As part of April’s Hazard of the Month, Stress, we’re highlighting two key areas: Stress Awareness and Managing Mental Health.

Stress Awareness

Employers are legally required to assess and address any risks of stress in the workplace to protect their employees.

There are six key factors that can contribute to stress at work:

  1. Demands: Difficulty coping with job demands.
  2. Control: Lack of control over how work is done.
  3. Support: Insufficient support or information.
  4. Relationships: Struggles with workplace relationships or bullying.
  5. Role: Uncertainty about roles and responsibilities.
  6. Change: Disengagement with changes in the business.

Each of these areas should be assessed to effectively manage workplace stress.

There are also various signs of stress in employees, such as:

  • Becoming more withdrawn
  • Taking more time off
  • Arriving late to work
  • Experiencing mood swings or changes in mood
  • Acting nervous or on edge
  • Showing increased emotional reactions
  • Demonstrating reduced motivation and confidence

Learn to identify and manage work-related stress with our Stress Awareness online training! Save 10% for this month only with the code ‘stress10’!

Managing Mental Health

Mental health impacts one in four people in the UK and can be exacerbated by workplace issues. So, how can employers support employees with mental health conditions?

The government-commissioned Thriving at Work report outlines a set of recommended actions for employers:

  • Develop, implement, and clearly communicate a mental health plan that promotes overall employee well-being and outlines available support.
  • Enhance mental health awareness by providing resources, tools, and support within the workplace.
  • Create a workplace culture of openness, encouraging conversations about mental health and the resources available.
  • Offer reasonable workplace adjustments for those who require them.
  • Maintain high standards of working conditions.
  • Promote a healthy work-life balance for employees, ensuring they have opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Foster effective people management by ensuring employees regularly discuss health and well-being with their managers, while also training and supporting managers in best practices.
  • Monitor employee mental health and well-being through data, employee feedback, and understanding risk factors.

Learn more about mental health in the workplace with our Mental Health Awareness online training! Save 10% for this month only with the code ‘stress10’!

Stress Awareness and Managing Mental Health courses are essential tools in improving mental health and wellbeing at work.. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these courses, available until the end of April. Simply enter the code ‘stress10’ at checkout to save!

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