Health & Wellbeing
New mental health research from Deloitte (published May 2024), reveals that the cost to employers of poor mental health is £51bn per year. And according to the Burnout Report, published by Mental Health UK in January 2024, one in five workers needed to take time off work in the past year due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress.
The impact of mental health problems in the workplace has serious consequences not only for the individual but also for the productivity of a company. Such areas as employee performance, sickness absence, accidents, increased costs and staff turnover are all affected by employees’ mental health.
Employers have a legal responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to help their employees and like any other safety or health hazard at work, work-related mental health issues must be assessed to measure the levels of risk to staff and reasonable adjustments made.
Health and Wellbeing at Business West
At Business West, staff wellbeing is crucial, and much emphasis is placed on prioritising self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have a team of Mental Health First Aiders who undergo an internationally recognised training course to equip them with the skills needed to recognise and address mental health challenges early on.
Our Mental Health First Aiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health in the workplace. They are friendly faces to talk to, not just in a crisis but for check ins too. Additionally, they have a slot at each monthly company update and provide tools and techniques such as Wellness Action Plans to help employees prepare for times when they are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing poor mental health.
Headspace and the Employee Assistance Programme
The mindfulness app, Headspace, is accessible to all staff, offering tools to help foster good mental health. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is also available, providing employees with access to healthcare, support and advice, including counselling sessions if required.
Regular check-ins
Regular check-ins with managers and colleagues give employees the chance to open up about anything they’re going through inside and outside of work. And there is a healthy learning and development environment through online courses and other opportunities to develop, thereby increasing job satisfaction.
Internal communities
A variety of internal communities are available for staff to join, such as Mental Health and Wellbeing, Volunteering and LGBTQ+. Community groups offer resources, information and support.
Business West works closely with local organisations to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace and offer information and advice to businesses.
We participated in Time to Change, a campaign to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. Mind worked in partnership with Time to Change and Rethink Mental Illness to run the campaign with a number of employers, including Business West, signing the Time to Change Employer Pledge.
Local Hubs and Programmes for Businesses
Information on local hubs and programmes for businesses:
Bristol
Thrive at Work West of England provides resources (including free mental health e-learning) to support workforce mental health, with a focus on SMEs in the West of England region. Find out more about the programme:-
Swindon
The Swindon Mindful Employer Network (SMEN) supports businesses with expert advice and guidance, operating with the primary goal to empower organisations, regardless of size, in supporting the mental well-being of their staff. Find out more about SMEN:-
