As part of November’s Hazard of the Month, Mental Health, we’re highlighting two key areas: Diversity and Inclusion & Mental Health Awareness
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity refers to the range of people within your workforce, such as those of different ages, religions, ethnicities, gender, sexuality, and people with disabilities.
A diverse workplace is respectful and values these differences.
Inclusivity is about making sure that everyone feels valued at work and safe to share ideas, raise issues and suggestions, and try different approaches.
To avoid bullying, harassment or discrimination in the workplace, you should make sure:
- your workforce and managers understand the protections provided by discrimination law
- your workplace practices meet the requirements of discrimination law
- you address any gaps in meeting these requirements, for example by providing further staff training
- your workforce and managers understand the potential benefits of having colleagues from different backgrounds
An equal opportunities policy can help with this, ensuring that everyone knows:
- that the business is committed to supporting everyone and treating them fairly
- the standards of behaviour expected of them
- what discrimination law covers and which behaviours are unacceptable
- where to find procedures for addressing concerns and resolving problems
Learn more about fostering an inclusive workplace with our Diversity and Inclusion online training course. Get 10% off this course with the code ‘mentalhealth10’!
Mental Health Awareness
All employers have a legal duty to assess the risk of work-related stress and take appropriate action to manage and reduce these risks.
The Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign recommends five key steps to help employers tackle work-related stress and promote, support and sustain good mental health in the workplace:
- Reach Out: Talk openly with employees, both individually and as a team. Regular conversations about mental health can help people feel more comfortable speaking up when they are struggling.
- Recognise: Be aware of the signs of stress in individuals and across teams.
Signs in individuals may include:- Increased absence or lateness
- Heightened emotional reactions or nervousness
- Reduced motivation
- Mood changes
- Becoming withdrawn
Signs within a team may include:
- Increased arguments or conflict
- Higher sickness absence
- More complaints or grievances
- Increased staff turnover
- More reports of stress
- Reduced performance
- Respond: Once concerns have been identified, consider what changes or support could address them. Work with employees to agree appropriate actions and solutions.
- Reflect: Review the actions taken to determine whether they are working. Consider whether improvements have been sustained and whether further changes are needed.
- Make it Routine: Make regular check-ins part of everyday workplace practice. This helps normalise conversations about mental health and gives employees regular opportunities to raise concerns.
Learn about identifying and managing mental health with our Mental Health Awareness training course. Get 10% off this course with the code ‘mentalhealth10’!
Diversity and Inclusion & Mental Health Awareness training courses are essential tools in protecting the mental health and wellbeing of your employees. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these courses, available until the end of November. Simply enter the code ‘mentalhealth10’ at checkout to save!
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