Employee Wellbeing, Part 1 – How to reduce stress in the workplace

10th October was World Mental Health Day – put in place by the World Health Organization to raise awareness of mental health and the issues surrounding it.

The mental health agenda is one that is growing rapidly – only this week, the Chancellor announced a £2bn funding boost to mental health service in his annual budget.

Another study found that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions.  However, the mental health movement Time to Change claims that 95% of employees calling in sick with stress gave a different reason – leading to the assumption that in reality, this figure could be much higher.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at ways employers can reduce the impact of stress on their employees.

Line manager training

Training may also help line managers to notice changes in their staff’s behaviour and attitude that could be early warning signs of workplace-related stress.

Have an open door policy

Promote the mental health agenda

This in itself can create further anxiety as staff members worry about explaining their absence to their line manager or fellow employees. One way employers are increasingly addressing this issue is to introduce a wellbeing policy.

Healthy body, healthy mind

However, encouraging staff to take a walk during their lunch break rather than sit at their desk is something that could easily be done.

Manage change effectively

If you are implementing a change, it is important to think through the impact this may have on employees. Where you are bringing in a new process or procedure, you should explain the reasons for doing this.

With any process of change, communication is key, so be sure to hold regular updates with staff and make yourself available for any questions they may have.

Sources:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/658145/thriving-at-work-stevenson-farmer-review.pdf https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105160709/ http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171776_353899.pdf https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/tackle-stigma-workplace/support-employers