This blog is written by Emma Boa, Senior Manager-Workplace Delivery and Development, SAMH.
I recently had the opportunity of delivering a one-hour presentation to a room full of approximately 212 people. That’s right, 212! It was a mix of excitement and mild panic (but mostly excitement). As I stood there, talking about creating mentally healthy workplaces, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, if this many people are here to learn about mental health in the workplace, clearly it is something really important.”
It got me thinking: In today’s fast-paced world, we spend a lot of time at work, more than we’d probably like to admit. It’s no surprise, then, that mental health in the workplace is more critical than ever. In Scotland, mental health at work is a growing concern. In fact, 1.9 million days are lost in Scotland due to work related stress, anxiety or depression (HSE Scotland, 2024). This staggering statistic highlights the need for workplaces to address mental health as part of their overall wellbeing strategy.
So, what can we do about it? Well, creating a mentally healthy workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple steps to get started:
- Start the conversation: Encourage open dialogue about mental health to break down stigma and raise awareness across all levels
- Review roles and responsibilities: Promote a shared responsibility for mental health, not just a top-down approach. Introduce Wellbeing Champion roles or staff-led wellbeing groups to promote initiatives
- Make wellbeing part of the norm: Add wellbeing to team and 121 meeting agendas. You can use SAMH’s Wellness Action Plans to better understand your team’s needs
- Invest in your staff: Equip managers and staff with the tools to spot mental health problems and provide support through SAMH’s workplace training. In the mood for something a bit different and exciting? Host a workplace wellbeing event to give your team a break and focus on mental health and wellbeing activities together
Still not sure where to begin? At SAMH, we stand ready to collaborate with you, whether through advisory support, training, or workplace wellbeing events, we have the tools you need to start building a mentally healthy workplace.
Let’s not wait for the next big event to remind us of how important workplace wellbeing is, let’s make it a priority now. Start small, and watch your workplace transform.
If you want help with resolving conflict or improving performance, please email support@mckinneyhr.co.uk