A WEBINAR next week led by a Northamptonshire HR specialist aims to tackle questions on how to navigate mental health in the workplace.
The latest SME Business Survey undertaken by Kettering-based people specialist HR Solutions showed that 85% of small business owners believe mental health at work is currently the most important area of health and safety.
This is an increase of six percent on last year, which saw 79% of respondents choose mental health at work as the highest priority.
Next week (May 15-21) is Mental Health Awareness Week. As part of the campaign, HR Solutions knowledge manager Victoria Templeton pictured left and health and safety consultant Dom Greenwood will answer questions in the webinar, which looks at mental health in the workplace and support from both an HR and health and safety perspective.
Mental Health in the Workplace – Your Questions Answered will run online on Friday May 19, 10am-11am.
HR Solutions chief executive Greg Guilford said: “Mental health issues are more common than you might think, with one in four people in the UK expected to have a mental health problem during their lifetime. While many SMEs and their employees favour hybrid or remote working, this can make it harder for people leaders and colleagues to identify when an employee may be struggling with their mental health.”
Ongoing economic pressures and the cost of living crisis are also negatively impacting mental health, Mr Guilford pictured below added.
“We understand the importance of supporting employers to support their employees and our webinar allows business owners to ask questions and seek advice as well as learn important nuggets of information to better understand and look after their staff.”
Each year, the SME Survey provides a pulse check on the small business landscape. Its results inform the support and resources that HR Solutions provide for their customers and the wider business community.
Recent data published by the Health and Safety Executive mirrored the SME Business Survey, showing that mental health accounted for 65% of all work-related ill health cases in 2021/22. ACAS has also recently published new guidance regarding reasonable adjustments to support mental health in the workplace.
As well as the webinar, HR Solutions offers Mental Health First Aid training courses and a newly added Mental Health Ambassador course to provide business owners and managers with extensive knowledge to further support employees.
“Mental health first aid is important to understand exactly what procedures are needed to help support a team in the workplace,” said Mr Guilford. “Establishing a culture which prioritises health and wellbeing can also help to improve mental health at work, and reduce absences driven by mental health illnesses.”
Register for the webinar and submit your questions in advance for discussion during the session at www.hrsolutions-uk.com/upcoming-webinars/
