Employee Wellbeing

Steps businesses can take

Good employee mental health and wellbeing are vital within the workplace because they can significantly impact employee productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.

Here are some steps businesses can take to help improve employee wellbeing and health:

1. Implement employee wellness programs that promote physical and mental health. These programs may include health screenings, fitness classes, stress management training, and mental health resources.
2. Create a positive work environment by promoting open communication, teamwork, and a culture of respect and inclusivity. Encourage work-life balance and provide opportunities for professional development.
3. Encourage employees to take breaks and time off to recharge and prevent burnout. Offer flexible work schedules and remote work options to support work-life balance.
4. Offer mental health resources and support, such as counselling services, employee assistance programs, and mental health training for managers and employees.
5. Identify and address sources of workplace stress, such as excessive workloads, unclear job expectations, and poor communication. Implement strategies to help employees manage stress, such as mindfulness training or stress reduction programs.
6. Create a safe and healthy work environment by addressing physical hazards and providing training on workplace safety practices.
7. Encourage healthy habits among employees, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits. Offer resources and support to help employees adopt and maintain healthy habits.
8. Encourage social connections, such as team-building activities and volunteer opportunities. Which all help foster a sense of community and connection among employees.

Businesses can take many steps to help improve employee wellbeing and health. By offering employee wellness programs, creating a positive work environment, and encouraging breaks and time off. Also, by providing mental health resources, addressing workplace stress and safety, promoting healthy habits, and fostering social connections. Making use of these resources helps foster a supportive and healthy workplace culture that benefits both employees and the organisation.

So let’s take one of those steps which is to offer mental health training to managers and employees, and see how that can be practically implemented within the workplace. Starting with the benefits of learning a new skill.

Benefits of learning something new

Learning new things can benefit health and well-being in many ways by:

1. Improving cognitive function
2. Increasing confidence
3. Reducing stress
4. Improving social connections
5. Enhancing creativity
6. Increasing sense of purpose
7. Increasing adaptability

Why mental health training?

Learning new things stimulates the brain and can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It also can increase self-confidence and self-esteem, which positively impact mental health. But by learning about mental health, employees can better understand the causes and ways to mitigate the risks.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, mental health has become a crucial aspect of overall employee wellbeing. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in 2020/21, stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2021/22, 17.0 million and 7.3 million, respectively.

By implementing a mental health strategy, your organisation can create a healthier, more supportive work environment that benefits employees and the business.

What courses are recommended by Ligtas?

Ligtas would recommend the following two courses for individuals and businesses alike:

NEBOSH Working with Wellbeing

NEBOSH National Award in Working with Wellbeing is a comprehensive course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage health and wellbeing in the workplace. By understanding the importance of wellbeing and implementing practical initiatives, you can create a more supportive and productive work environment for your employees.

Mental Health Awareness

The Ligtas Mental Health Awareness Course has been designed to educate your staff on mental health issues and promote a supportive work environment. Boost productivity, reduce stigma, and improve employee wellbeing.

Both can be booked via the Ligtas website or by emailing enquiries@ligtas.co.uk or by calling 02922 800 000.

Organisational benefits

By making mental health awareness a priority, organisations can:

• Demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility
• Ensure compliance with legislation
• Create a healthier workplace
• Raise Awareness of Mental Illnesses
• Encourage Early Intervention for Recovery
• Reduce Stigma Around Mental Health Issues
• Improve staff morale
• Cut sickness absence

Take the first step in prioritising mental health and wellbeing by enrolling your employees in our expert-led courses, we offer a range of learning options like eLearning, in-company training, and classroom training. So now is the time to do more than just tick a box when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health.