A new report encourages more effective interventions to support employees and colleagues in managing their mental health. It is launched on the back of increased mental health issues in UK workplaces with a record number of days being lost due to work related stress.
The need to support employees and colleagues in managing their mental health is widely recognised, however the wide range of interventions being marketed makes it difficult for employers to know what works.
This new report, aimed at employers, occupational health, and human resources professionals, seeks to “cut through the noise” and identifies what really works.
Written by Dr Kevin Teoh, from Birkbeck, University of London and compiled by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and the CIPD, the report, “The Value of Occupational Health and Human Resources in supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace” provides guidance on how to better manage workplace mental health and wellbeing.
It offers information on how to design programmes and interventions for organisations. It highlights how, by working together, HR and Occupational Health can better support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
The key to making a difference is a systematic approach to managing mental health and wellbeing, providing health and wellbeing support interventions that are evidence-based and meet the needs of staff. The report recommends primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions:
- Primary level interventions (prevention) – identifying root causes e.g. ensuring workload is manageable, adequate support is available, leadership is compassionate, inclusive, and ethical. Training managers to support the wellbeing of their staff and encourage employees to seek help.
- Secondary level interventions (support) – improving people’s ability to cope with challenging aspects of their roles. Effective strategies include helping staff maintain a healthy balance between their work and personal life.
- Tertiary level interventions (rehabilitation) – focusing on treatment and encourage a safe and healthy return to work. Occupational health, the specialist and expert field of health and wellbeing at work, is a crucial part of the solution.
Society of Occupational Medicine President, Dr Lanre Ogunyemi, said:
“This report provides clear evidence-based actions to tackle mental health issues experienced in the workplace. It identifies action proven to make a difference, so professionals can design effective programmes and interventions for their organisations. The UK is in a fortunate position, with specially trained occupational health professionals, but more investment is needed to expand this workforce. We are calling for universal access to occupational health”.
Senior employee wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, Rachel Suff, said:
“We know that organisations recognise the importance of investing in mental health and wellbeing, but a more systematic and evidence-based approach to workplace health is needed. It is important that HR and OH professionals work together to prevent stress and provide support for employees, ensure managers have adequate training, and to create an open, inclusive culture.”
Dr Kevin Teoh, Senior Lecturer, and the Programme Director of the MSc Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London said:
“As more and more organisations recognise the importance of supporting staff mental health and wellbeing it is vital that action here is underpinned by evidence-based practice. In doing so, we need to not only recognise the opportunities and expertise available, but also the limits of one’s competence and abilities.”
Read the new report The Value of Occupational Health and Human Resources in supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace at: www.som.org.uk
The_Value_of_OH_and_HR_in_supporting_mental_health_and_wellbeing_in_the_workplace_Nov23
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What is Occupational Health?
- OH professionals (including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals) maintain the health and wellbeing of employees and keep them at work.
- The most common workplace health problems are mental health and musculoskeletal. OH professionals collaborate with staff and employers to develop solutions that enable staff with health issues to continue working, with adaptations if necessary.
- Studies have found that OH is an investment which pays off e.g. a£1 investment in OH leads to £1.93 saving in absenteeism costs or a £2.35 saving in medical costs.
- OH interventions have been shown to help people with disabilities and long-term conditions stay in work and increase productivity across the workforce.
About SOM
The Society of Occupational Medicine is for all healthcare professionals working in or with an interest in occupational health (OH). It is concerned with the protection of the health of people in the workplace and the prevention of occupational injuries and disease. The Society stimulates interest and research in OH and works with government, the healthcare community, health charities and other bodies to promote a healthier workforce. It acts as the voice of OH, responding to consultative documents and media enquiries. A national leader in providing continued professional development and education for all working in OH, it is a forum for the exchange of ideas, and best practice. Visit www.som.org.uk for more information.
About CIPD:
The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. It is the professional body for HR, L&D, OD, and all people professionals – experts in people, work, and change. With almost 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights, and learning – it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It is a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone. www.cipd.org
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