Prioritising Mental Health
Prioritising Mental Health – a vital responsibility for small business owners
May 2023
May’s Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the significance of mental well-being. As a small business owner in the UK, you hold a vital role in nurturing a positive work environment that prioritises the mental health of both yourself and your employees. Our Mental Health and Wellbeing policy ensures adherence to the Equality Act 2010. This blog post explores key aspects of supporting mental health needs, destigmatising emotions, challenging workplace stereotypes and fostering support and feedback, irrespective of your industry.
To effectively support mental health needs, it is crucial to recognise and address them. Mind, a prominent mental health charity in the UK, offers invaluable resources and guidance for employers seeking to establish mentally healthy workplaces. Their website provides access to toolkits, training programs, including those for mental health first aiders and practical advice on promoting well-being within your organisation. Additionally, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers guides and advice specifically tailored to small businesses navigating workplace mental health.
Prioritising Mental Health
Incorporating Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) into your organisation can be transformative. These trained individuals serve as a dependable support system, offering guidance and assistance to colleagues experiencing mental health challenges. Mental Health First Aid England and MHFA Training are excellent resources for finding training courses and materials to develop a team of mental health first aiders within your workplace. Everyone on your team may also benefit from developing their own awareness of the poor mental health associated with stress, pressure and burnout so feel free to direct them to the e-learning courses available on the portal.
As a business owner, you have the opportunity to be a positive role model by sharing your own emotions, struggles and successes. Creating a safe space for your employees to do the same promotes a culture of authenticity and vulnerability. By challenging traditional stereotypes associated with masculinity, such as toxic masculinity, you foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Emphasising emotional intelligence, empathy and collaboration as essential qualities encourages individuals to thrive without compromising their well-being.
Supportive Work Environment
To cultivate a supportive work environment, it is crucial to encourage open communication and provide opportunities for feedback. Regular team meetings or check-ins create a platform for voicing thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Promoting active listening and empathy ensures that every team member feels valued and heard. By fostering an environment that values open communication, you empower your employees to share their challenges, seek assistance and provide constructive feedback.
As a small business owner in the UK, your commitment to prioritising mental health is of utmost importance. By supporting mental health needs, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging open communication and feedback, you create a workplace that values the well-being of your employees. Remember, by leading by example and fostering a supportive environment, you contribute to the overall success and happiness of your team members. Together, let’s create a work culture that recognizes the significance of mental health and embraces the strength in vulnerability. You can find a template for the template Mental Health and Wellbeing policy on the ‘H&S Documents’ page on the Portal.
