What can employers do to promote good mental health in the workplace?

Your first step to improving mental health and well-being of people at work is to talk to staff so they become more aware of the issues that might have an impact on their well-being.

Sometimes people do not know that healthy choices they can make, like eating a balanced diet, can protect their mental health in the same ways as their physical health.

When someone does develop a problem, they may not recognise it as such or seek help at an early stage. Staff and employers will benefit from a greater awareness.

A work culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and issues such as bullying and harassment are not tolerated will improve the mental well-being of employees. If you can promote such a culture you will see a reduction in sickness absence, grievance and discrimination claims, complaints and the incidence of mental health problems.

If staff are more aware they will be more able to help themselves and be more sensitive to the needs of others. If you recognise the problems of colleagues early you can help them more effectively and give appropriate support.

As a manager, you are well placed to help people help themselves by providing information about mental health and access to services. Promoting good mental health practices such as operating flexible working hours so that employees can balance the demands of home life with work will create a more positive working environment.