Psychosocial risks are the aspects of a work environment that can create stress and harm mental well-being. These factors can include workload, the level of control employees have over their work, and the management of change. When left unaddressed, these risks have a significant impact on both individuals and organisations.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a staggering 33.7 million working days were lost in Great Britain during 2023/24 due to work-related ill health. A major contributing factor to this was work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, which accounted for the majority of days lost to illness, with 776,000 cases reported. These figures underscore the critical need for a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace.
A mentally healthy workforce is a productive and resilient one. When employees feel supported, they are more engaged, innovative, and less likely to experience burnout and absenteeism. To support your team’s mental health, consider initiatives such as providing access to resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), offering flexible working arrangements, and fostering open conversations about stress and well-being. Building a foundation of trust where employees feel safe to speak up without fear of judgment is key.
As the Mental Health Foundation reminds us, “Poor mental health is not inevitable.” This is World Mental Health Day, let’s seize the opportunity to discuss mental health and work together to create a culture where everyone can thrive.