As the employment relations experts, we acknowledge that it can be hard to always practice what you preach. Internally, we have been grappling with the same problems as everyone: parents, like me, teaching and working; those feeling lonely and isolated; and, significantly, helping those with pre-existing mental health problems as well as those whose health has taken a downturn (especially as we trudge through a dark February in a third lockdown).
Our framework for positive mental health at work shows how promoting positive mental health is a joint austria phone number library responsibility between employers, managers and individuals. We all know the critical role line managers play, which is why we have run special training sessions to help our managers handle remote conversations and support the mental health of their staff. We also ran line manager ‘clinics’ to take a deeper dive into more complex personal issues.
The power of the small
The hardest bit to get right about mental health at work is the big picture stuff: joining the dots germany cell number between all aspects of work and home life and how things like working conditions and relationships can influence how we act and feel. All 3 organisations in our report are seasoned travellers on the ‘road to enlightenment’ but, as with all of us, change tennis, an english discipline that came from france is gradual. For example, making ‘good work’ a part of your thinking will not happen overnight.
Short-term strategies are great
Training line managers, setting up internal resources to help and support staff (as we have done); but other objectives will take more planning, more commitment and, yes more honesty.
So, in the spirit of honesty, I admit that I have found my new circumstances very challenging. I have supportive managers and colleagues, but we are in uncharted territory.
My one message on Time to Talk Day is this: reach out to the most vulnerable, be mindful also about your own capacity. Focus on your own wellbeing and recognise this has value in its own right.