Creating a Mental Health Plan

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a business one too. With one in six British workers affected and costs to UK employers reaching up to £44 billion annually, prioritising mental health is a strategic imperative.

The “Thriving at Work” review outlines six key mental health standards for employers. The first? Create a Mental Health at Work Plan to promote wellbeing, tackle stressors, and support employees with mental health issues.

Here’s what a robust plan should include:

Promoting Wellbeing

• Encourage senior leaders to advocate for mental health.
• Implement awareness campaigns, Mental Health Champions, and employee training.
• Support work-life balance with regular breaks, realistic workloads, and flexible policies.
• Create opportunities for growth through coaching, job shadowing, and social engagement.

Tackling Workplace Stressors

• Conduct regular mental health assessments to identify challenges.
• Equip line managers with training to recognise and manage wellbeing concerns.
• Provide a supportive physical environment with ergonomic spaces and adequate lighting.

Providing Support

• Offer access to mental health services, peer support groups, and tailored wellness action plans.
• Promote open conversations to normalise mental health discussions.
• Build flexibility into roles to help staff manage mental health needs effectively.

Why This Matters

A healthier workforce leads to higher engagement, lower absenteeism, and improved retention rates. More importantly, it fosters a culture where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated to perform their best.

Need Help Developing Your Mental Health Plan?

Creating and implementing an effective strategy may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Starfish People, we help businesses develop tailored mental health plans that align with their goals and values.

Let’s work together to make mental health a priority for your team. Feel free to get in touch today!

You can call us directly on 01243 – 967961 or email [email protected]