Mental Health Awareness Week 9 - 15 May 2022

Posted on 11th May 2022

Mental Health Awareness week 9th -15th May, is a brilliant time to do a mental health check in. We often talk about wellbeing in the workplace and it’s great to see the broadening of the conversation about mental health. The theme this year is ‘loneliness’.

Loneliness is both a cause and consequence of mental health issues. According to research from Mental Health, UK, one in five (20%) workers feel lonely at work on a typical working day and nearly a quarter (23%) say that loneliness at work has had an impact on their mental health.

The workplace can be rewarding in so many ways, but it can also be a stressor and compound mental health issues. Very often people are embarrassed when they are going through challenges with their mental health which just adds to the pressure of a difficult situation. At its worst staff burnout, breakdown or leave because they can’t cope.

As employers creating safe spaces for conversations about mental health and psychological wellbeing is more than just good practice it’s a business imperative.  Companies that take wellbeing seriously have more productive employees and less burnout.  Policies need to be part of an intentional organisational culture and clear communication strategy that encourage openness and a safe space to discuss challenges. There are some key questions for leadership to ask to start a review:

Do you have an open culture based on trust?

Are you focused on results or presenteeism?

Do you establish non-threatening/safe spaces for staff to interact?

Do staff members feel able to talk about their challenges as well as their successes with managers?

If you’re in business you’re not immune from mental health challenges, in fact, according to 72% of entrepreneurs are affected by mental health issues compared to just 48% of non entrepreneurs according to a study in the US by the National Institute of Mental Health. Research by NHS England highlights that one in four adults experience mental illness and according to another study entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition and twice as likely to suffer from depression.

For solopreneurs, loneliness can be a big problem.  Being in business is exhilarating but it can also be challenging and lonely. The absence of colleagues to share ideas and problems can make mental health problems a major issue. The critical question here is where do you get support during these times of stress?

All the research seems to point to the importance of community, peer groups and safe spaces to share as stress management and mental health support tools. This can prevent loneliness as support is provided, friendship, and confidence develops, and this can also provide opportunities to grow.

At DDC we understand the importance of support not just in Mental Health Awareness week but throughout the year. Not only can we support with the tools to create the necessary change if you’re an employer/ solo entrepreneur we can provide different levels of support and a  safe space for those conversations why not book a call: info@dynamicdevelopmentconsulting.co.uk

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