We are keen to improve the support we provide to our Team in regards to Mental Health. Do you have any recommendations?

Mental Health is a huge issue for the sector. In the UK it is reported:

▪️  91% have felt overwhelmed,

▪️  48% are currently taking time off due to unmanageable stress

▪️  26% have experienced suicidal thoughts 

Our top pointers are: 

▪️  Ensure workload is manageable, its not a hostile culture & managers are trained should issues arise.

▪️  Ensure managers have regular check ins to make it easier to voice any concerns & discuss workload

▪️  Provide an anonymised Employee Feedback Suggestion box so people can raise concerns. 

▪️   Provide a Employee Assistance Programme; check out Health Assured or Spill.  https://www.healthassured.org/.  https://www.spill.chat/

▪️  Raise awareness of Mental Health internally, & have a policy in place that sets out the support you offer 

▪️  Money concerns can have a huge impact, so ensure Bonuses, Pay Rises & Pay Grades are transparent. Address concerns of job insecurity as appropriate and the Cost of Living Crisis. Some businesses have provided enhanced pay reviews, & additional allowances. You could offer retail discounts & savings schemes to see money go further & provide Financial Literacy training 

▪️  Offer a quarterly Mental Health Day to help decompress 

▪️  Check in more frequently with those travelling & often away from home. They might be struggling without their family or support network

▪️  Ensure those on holiday or leave get to relax.  Provide a way for people to purchase annual leave if needed

▪️  Provide a Gym or Wellness allowance to encourage your team to relax, let off steam and get some endorphins & dopamine 

▪️  Bring in CSR Days. Giving back is proven to increase feel-good hormones and reduces cortisol levels

▪️  Review your Sick Policy to ensure your team can take time off as needed & don’t feel pressured to work whilst poorly

▪️  Almost 100% of our team have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders. Our trainer, @Ian Phillips has experience across the Construction Sector and is contactable at ian@workingatwellbeing.com.