Top Tip Tuesday - Mental Health and Wellbeing

M – MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Mental health and wellbeing are gathering pace at a significant rate with employers and safety professionals struggling to adapt. This is partly due to lack of understanding and in certain situations, lack of commitment. A starting point is to recognise there may be an issue which requires some intervention.

Looking for signs

If you recognize that an employee starts acting differently, this may be the early signs that they are under pressure. Some of the signs to look out for:

Argumentative – they seem to be more agitated and dismissive during conversations.

Punctuality – they are late for meetings or simply do not attend.

Not responsive – they delay or even may not reply to messages or calls.

Mistakes – you identify more errors in their work.

Complaints – negative feedback from co-workers or customers.

Nervous – they just look uncomfortable during discussions and can become more emotional.

Apart from the usual suggestions such as policies, procedures and risk assessments, here are our top tips to support and manage issues on mental health and wellbeing:

• Hold regular meetings. Either in a group or on a 1-2-1 basis. Ensure they feel involved and engaged.
• Let individuals know you are there to support them.
• Display posters or stock information leaflets in the workplace on mental health and wellbeing. They may be encouraged to read it or take it home.
• Encourage lunchtime walks with colleagues. Avoid eating at desks.
• Arrange team social events as this provides a different environment.
• Make fruit available within the kitchen or canteen. Encourage healthy eating.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.