This week started with ‘Blue Monday’, allegedly the most depressing day of the year! Although this day was originally invented by holiday companies trying to boost sales, there’s no denying that this time of the year is not most people’s favourite! (Just ask your accountant as they plough their way through everybody’s tax returns at the same time…!) Add the fact that we are rolling into a third calendar year of a pandemic, and you might feel that you want to provide a little more support for your employees.
Offer mental wellness support
Waiting lists for mental health support on the NHS are notoriously lengthy, so one of the best things employers can do for their employees is provide access to counselling and other mental health support services. Getting help faster can mean a quicker recovery, and that is good for both the employee and the business!
Ask how are you really?
When we ask how people are, generally they immediately respond with “I’m fine thank you, how are you?” However, sometimes all it can take is for you to ask that question a second time to find out that someone is struggling. Make time in your day to find out how your colleagues and employees really are, it could make all the difference.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Many people found or rediscovered exercise during lockdown. (Yes there really ARE considerably more middle-aged men cycling around on the roads these days!) Exercise is as beneficial mentally as it is physically, so to keep your workforce healthy and happy, try and find ways to incorporate exercise into the working day. You could repurpose a toilet into a shower and changing room to encourage employees to cycle, jog or walk to work; and don’t forget to let them know about the Cycle to Work Scheme. If the weather is nice you could have walking meetings instead of sitting in a meeting room, and you could also offer a yoga or other fitness class at lunchtime.
Provide support for financial management
Money worries are always a major cause of stress, and with the cost of living rising and higher energy bills on the way, employees may be finding themselves increasingly strapped for cash. While not every business is in the position to increase wages, you can still provide support by offering debt management advice, and access to financial planning support. The team at E R Grove are always here to point you in the right direction to find this kind of support.
Remove mental health stigma
Many people still feel that mental health issues are a sign of weakness or failure, and something that they should hide from their colleagues and employers. Charities like Mind can help you with resources and information to remove the stigma around mental health, so that everyone in your organisation feels confident and comfortable to talk about their mental health.
