Mental health week 'a chance for employers to review approach '

Employers should use Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to review their approach to work, according to employment specialists HR Caddy.

While working from home may have increased the flexibility of many employees work arrangements, allowing them to spend more time with immediate family, it has also created social isolation for many others.

The stress and strain of always feeling 'switched on ' and the difficulties of the pandemic has had a big impact on mental health, says HR Caddy 's managing director Nicola Callaghan (pictured).

Mental Health Awareness Week runs until Sunday and the team at Sutton Coldfield-based HR Caddy believe it is the perfect time to review work policies and arrangements.

“Many employers are now looking at how staff can return safely to the workplace, as restrictions are slowly eased, but for many employees, the new world of work is likely to be a combination of remote and office or on-site working, ” said Nicola.

“While working from home certainly has its benefits, it has also had a big impact on many people 's mental health. Employers need to be vigilant and support staff members that are struggling, to ensure they can retain the best talent. ”

HR Caddy believe employers should take the time to communicate with staff about changes that may help reduce the strain and stress of remote working and implement new measures that encourage positive mental wellbeing.

“Employers do not need to invest thousands of pounds in courses or specialist mental health services, instead they should look at small ways that they can support employees who are struggling with work and everyday life, ” added Nicola.

“It could be something as simple as arranging a regular, friendly call, being flexible to a person 's needs or seeing whether there is any way of reducing the workload or improving a worker 's organisation and productivity.

“With the job market being so active, some employees may vote with their feet and move on if they do not feel they are being adequately supported. ”

HR Caddy also pointed out that where a person has long term mental health issues, that extend beyond a 12-month period, they could be considered to have a disability under the Equalities Act and that employers should take caution not to act in a way that may discriminate.

Nicola said: “Both employers and employees are having to review the way that they work and things still remain a little uncertain.

“Employers have had a lot to contend with as well in the last year and so it is important that they also take time for themselves, so that they can reflect on their working practices and their plans for the future. ”