Mental health at work has never been more important

Emma Mamo

Head of Workplace Wellbeing, Mind

As we look forward to a post-pandemic world, workplaces need to make sure they invest and prioritise employee mental health.

The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. For many of us living with mental health problems already, our symptoms have worsened – and some of us have experienced mental health problems for the first time. Regardless of the size of your workplace, many – if not all – of your workforce will have been affected in some way, so it’s never been more important to promote staff wellbeing.

Hybrid working

During the pandemic and lockdowns, many staff found themselves working from home full time for the first time. At Mind, some staff told us they appreciated the added flexibility and unexpected benefits of homeworking, including more time to spend with family and less time, money and stress spent commuting.  But others found working remotely isolating, particularly those who were living alone or had difficult relationships with those they lived with. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to returning to the workplace, with most employers now offering a hybrid working approach, whereby staff divide their working week between the workspace and their homes.

It’s worth remembering that for some staff it can be a big adjustment returning to former workplaces, especially if they have moved and now face a longer journey to work. Employees are looking to their employers to provide guidance on how to manage returning to work, working from home or hybrid working, with many employers trialling different options. It is important staff adjust in a way that doesn’t make anyone feel unsafe or distressed. For employers, that means regularly surveying staff and putting in place measures based on their feedback.

It’s worth remembering that for some staff it can be a big adjustment returning to former workplaces, especially if they have moved and now face a longer journey to work.

Investing in mental health 

Given the toll the pandemic has taken on the nation’s mental health, it is important employers invest in workplace wellbeing initiatives for staff. Measures such as flexible working, generous annual leave, access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and subsidised exercise classes can help staff feel valued and supported. But most importantly, employers need to create an environment where staff feel able to talk about their mental health and know that if they do, they’ll be met with support and understanding.