The new online resource for both employers and employees seeks to take the taboo out of discussing mental health at work.
Continuing their campaign to promote mental wellness in the UK, the British Royals have launched a new effort to support workers’ mental health.
According to a survey of more than 44,000 workers conducted by the mental health non-profit organization, Mind, nearly half of workers in the UK (48%) have experienced mental health problems at work. On top of that, only half of these individuals have addressed their issues with their employer.
Mental Health at Work, the new online resource for both employers and employees on improving mental well-being in the workplace, seeks to bridge this gap and take the taboo out of discussing mental health at work.
According to the Mind survey, by training employers on how to promote workers’ mental health, they will feel more confident in supporting their staff. In turn, staff who had a supportive employer or manager reported that they were far more comfortable opening up about their mental health at work.
The goal of the new online resource is to provide information, resources and training for employers and employees who wish to address mental well-being in the workplace.
“We know that employers want to do more and are starting to see mental health as a priority, but often don’t know where to start. The new online Mental Health at Work gateway will change that,” said Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, in a statement. “Even small changes to policy, approach and workplace culture can make a really big difference to the mental health of those around us. No matter the size of your workplace, and no matter where you work, Mental Health at Work can help you find what you need to start or continue your journey to better workplace well-being for everyone.”
The website offers a variety of toolkits pertaining to different situations—some of them include “Promoting a positive culture” and “Tackling Stress in the Workplace.”
Mental Health at Work is just another arm of the British Royals’ campaign for mental wellness. Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry launched Heads Together in 2016 to change the conversation about mental health in the UK and urge Brits to be more vocal about their struggles with mental health.
“There are times when, whoever we are, it is hard to cope with a challenge—and when that happens being open and honest and asking for help is life-changing,” said Prince William last year. “Talking to someone else is a positive and confident step to take, but for too long it has been a case of ‘Keep Quiet and Carry On.’ As a result, too many people have suffered in silence for too long, and the effects of this can be devastating.”
