It has been taken up with gusto by some employers

The more severe illnesses bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are less common, affecting around one in ten of us. This is a point of views we tend to cling onto when we see a friend, family member or colleague who isnt coping too well. We want you to be as healthy and happy throughout this challenging time as possible, because no-one should go without the healthcare support they need. You could also help them to call their doctor or a close friend or colleague. If a co-worker is experiencing a mental illness, its best to let them decide what and how much they tell others in the workplace. If, for example, someone is having a high anxiety day, being around others might make it worse. It's a widespread social issue. If there is anything we can do as responsible employers and managers, its to get behind this movement. The link between physical and mental health shouldnt be ignored. Crucially, employers should act quickly. Our mood is affected by chemicals in the body. And workplace bullying can leave the victim dealing with all sorts of complicated mental health issues. This means organizational decision-makers also need to play a role in formulating viable solutions to the problem. Discussing workplace mental health can be a good way to alleviate a difficult situation. People can find meditations to help them exercise, sleep and focus as well as a beginners course to help them learn meditation principles. It has been taken up with gusto by some employers. Modeling disclosure and vulnerability as strengths, not weaknesses, goes a long way toward reducing the stigma and setting the tone for transparency. Ill start with the simplest suggestion, but the one that is often the first thing to go out the window when weve nowhere to go and nobody to see. Most people will find strategies that work for them and the difficult feelings associated with the outbreak will pass. A manager should consider meeting them away from the workplace before they return to discuss their return and alleviate any concerns they may have. Everyone should feel safe and supported to talk about workplace wellbeing initiatives with their line manager. Where more specialist advice is required, consider a referral to Occupational Health. Lots of wellbeing services have bookable appointments on the day. Your personal tutor will support you throughout your studies. Next time you start filling out your daily calendar schedule blocks of time for yourself. Expect a healthier work-life balance and greater productivity as a result. Remember to wrap up if it's cold outside. A reaction to a difficult life event, such as bereavement, can make managing and supporting mental health at work higher on the agenda. It is a myth that talking about suicide makes it more likely. MHFA does the same thing for a person who need psychological or psychiatric support. Yet most would like to work, and do not have to be fully recovered before taking a job. It diminishes an employee's sense of personal opportunity and his or hercommitment to an organization, leading to decreased engagement. Creating a workplace environment that recognizes, acknowledges and promotes the importance of positive mental health is one of the most important things an employer can do to improve their organization. Nothing communicates this better than creating a balanced culture where people feel that they matter. Looking after mental health in the workplace can sometimes be quite difficult. And will introduce positive interventions on sign-posting people to the right help and how to develop a resilience toolkit. So first of all, lets take a quick look at what we mean by mental wellbeing and mental health. Connecting with others supports good mental health. Make sure that your team switch off after-hours. Companies can also develop their own initiatives and programs. Were not all mental health experts, says Chapman. Whether you work with 10 people, 10000 people or just yourself, paying attention to dealing with depression at work has never been more important. Work-life balance and blurred boundaries between work and home may become more problematic as homeworking continues. Added to this is the fact many of us are now working from home, a situation we might not be used to and one that was made very quickly. The reports primary recommendation is that all employers, regardless of their size, industry or workplace, adopt the following mental health core standards to support their employees. There are no definite rules about what is a 'reasonable' adjustment. Try to incorporate regular times for exercise and networking. The pandemic has also had a significant impact on student mental health. If you are a manager then mental health first aid in the workplace is a subject that you will be aware of. If you use the internet for news, be very careful about false guidance or claims online. See if you can recognise negative thoughts and shape them into positive thoughts instead. Talking about how we are feeling can be really helpful. All too often we try and protect people from the pain of living. Public Health England recognises the importance of good work for health and wellbeing and has developed a mental health toolkit for employers. CIPD members can also use our Wellbeing helpline and resources. The site brings together resources, toolkits, blogs and case studies into one place.