A topic which has been recently highlighted more in the last few years than ever before but stills needs more recognition in and around the workplace, is mental health.
There are many preconceptions of what mental health is and in which form it presents itself The World Health Organization defines mental health as “the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It is more than the absence of a mental disorder; it is the ability to think, learn, and understand one’s emotions and the reactions of others. Mental health is a state of balance, both within and with the environment.’
Everyone can be affected differently when it comes to their own personal mental health and when an individual experiences poor mental health, they may also display their selves in a number of different ways including:
- Feeling constantly tired;
- Showing signs of stress and anxiety;
- Being distracted or confused;
- Working excessive hours;
- Increased smoking or drinking;
- Impaired or inconsistent performance (or uncharacteristic errors);
- Misusing prescription drugs or using recreational drugs;
- Appetite and weight changes;
- Changes in sleep patterns;
- Loss of motivation;
- Over excitement or euphoria;
- Lapses in memory or illogical or irrational thought processes;
- Tearfulness and experiencing low mood;
- Physical symptoms including an upset stomach, headaches, or joint and back pain;
- Displaying irritable, angry, or obsessive behaviour;
- Increased sickness absence; or
- Reference to suicidal thoughts.
These are some of the early signs which can present when someone is struggling and so as an employer it is important to recognise these signs and act accordingly. Mental health can be affected by external problems and workplace occurrences, which is why supporting mental health in the workplace can be paramount to not only allowing employees to perform to their best potential, but it can also ensure everyone feels supported and has the best chance at at managing their mental health to a good level.
Some of the steps PRG have taken to support employee’s mental health in the workplace include the following:
- People Power Hour sessions led by HR, giving employees an opportunity to talk about any home or work-related problems they are having
- Free counselling sessions, massages and alternative therapies from the companies free Medicash plan
- Office dogs allowed to create a fun and relaxing environment
- Flexible working and work from home arrangements with your manager
- A people first approach ensuring hard work in rewarded through incentive abroad trips and club lunches
- Ensuring all employees have the opportunity to grow their learning and individual development through the Learning Locker programme which funds external learning such as getting a CIPD qualification
- Monthly meetings where individual employees are recognised for their hard work and PRG communicate the plans and goals for the year, so everyone feels included and has direction and purpose.
It is extremely important at PRG for everyone to know the door is always open and any problems or concerns can be communicated with direct managers or Human Resources. If you are interested in learning more about what PRG have to offer, click here to apply.
If you would like to talk about your mental health or are looking for some helpful resources, there are some external organisations you can reach out to below:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/
https://changesbristol.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/
