Our awareness of the need for good mental health is quickly increasing. At the same time, many of us are challenging the stigma and discrimination that has for too long been associated with mental health problems. And speaking from personal experience, I think this is long overdue.

The number of people struggling with mental health issues is growing. Look around your office. New figures from the Royal College of Psychiatrists show that it’s now 1 in 7 people who experience mental health issues at work. There will be someone at your workplace who needs support.

Although employers have a duty of care to their employees, it’s not just about staying compliant. It’s about doing the right thing and what’s more, the evidence suggests it pays dividends. Despite the increase in recorded cases, mental health support in the workplace is reported to save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health). So it’s not all disturbing news…..

Time to Change has some really useful advice about what to do if you are concerned about a colleague or friend. You don’t have to be an expert and we can all help by opening up about mental health. Including asking twice if someone says they’re fine when they are clearly not. As well as taking it seriously, listening, asking questions and not always trying to fix it.

Are you interested in tackling the growing issue of mental health problems in the workplace? Do you play a role in the well-being and development of your team? Join us at one of our forthcoming events, Are you an ostrich or an eagle?, where we’ll be looking at how employers can support their people through current challenges.

We’re hosting a series of 4 hour workshops at the Hawk Conservancy in Andover, Hampshire where you can learn a little more about the need to adapt to and navigate these uncharted waters. Find out more here.