As the pandemic continues and lockdown and now the tier system changes how people work and socialise it is vital that employers have a proper mental health programme.

Lockdown has resulted in a marked rise in mental health-related illnesses, which has resulted in time taken off work. according to an analysis of official data,

The latest data showed mental health problems accounted for four in 10 (41 per cent) of all sick notes signed by GPs during the pandemic.

The research also found that overall employees took less time off work during lockdown, which lasted from 23 March to 4 July in England, maybe because at the time, working was all we had to do. There was also a six percentage point increase in the proportion of doctors notes issued for mental health reasons which accounted for 41 per cent of all notes issued in that period

Employee mental health and wellbeing has always been of crucial importance in the workplace, but as the virus continues and more people are being forced to carry out their duties at home, supporting workers is ever more vital. Employers must remain conscious of the challenges that remote working poses to mental health and continue to support their staff.

A key factor is ensuring that people who lead a team are equipped with the right skills to be able to not only manage their team, but to also support and spot signs of the impact of their mental health. They also need to ensure that the office culture still thrives, whether that be by virtual socials, or setting up regular 1-2-1s and check ins, especially if that person is working from home alone with no partner or family support.

To add some weight to this, research from healthcare provider Benenden Health

which surveyed 1,008 employees and 1,003 business owners and directors between May and June – found more than half (55 per cent) of workers said they would seek a new job if their mental wellbeing was not being supported by their employer, increasing to 78 per cent among 18 to 24-year-olds. 

If you want help with staff development programmes or bespoke employee engagement training, then we can help.

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