On average 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in the UK each year. Every week an average of 1 in 6 will report a common mental health trouble to their GP every week. Common mental health issues vary from generalised anxiety through to stress and depression. Although numbers over the years have not shown a rise in the reports of mental health issues, it is becoming clear that stress centred around work, employment and money are significantly related to the poor management of such health problems. Having a diagnosis of a mental health problem can increase stress and have a negative effect on the underlying issue, it is important you focus on your team and help those who need extra support. How can you do this?

Understanding the symptoms

Creating an open and approachable working environment for employees will ensure your staff have the confidence to discuss personal issues with you. Addressing mental wellbeing has been proven to increase productivity by up to 12% and instils confidence within employees, leading to respect and job satisfaction. It is an idea to create a forum in which employees can discuss ideas, views and thoughts related to mental health. Sharing experiences, opening up with regards to anxieties and discussing mental wellbeing in an open environment will make mental health a topic easily discussed and not a workplace taboo.

In order to offer support and guidance to employees struggling with their mental health, it is important to have a clear understanding of the symptoms related to early mental health problems.

Related symptoms:

• Poor concentration
• Low mood
• Lack of energy
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Being socially detached
• Generally worrying more

Now you understand the signs and symptoms to look out for, you need to know how to support staff who may require help. You can find helpful advice through mental health focused charities such as; mind, heads together and sane.org. If you find your employees require help urgently you can direct them to charities such as Samaritans should they need urgent help. But there are strategies you can put in place to help employees at work. You may find

When dealing with employee mental health you may find your staff reluctant to share their concerns and worries as this is an extremely personal subject. Those dealing with mental health problems will often rely on medical professionals or simply not face the issues and bury their stress leading to further illness. Last year alone mental health problems cost the UK economy £34.9bn, that’s a shocking £1,300 per employee in the UK. This cost is not down to employees ignoring signs and symptoms, but in fact is a direct reflection on many employers in the UK who do not acknowledge mental health within the workplace. By ignoring or unknowingly undermining mental health within the workplace you not only risking the health of valuable employees, but you are also putting the wealth of your business at risk. Now you know the cost, can you really afford to ignore this?

So, what can you do?

A working environment where your staff can thrive is key to happy, positive and mentally healthy employees. Addressing wellbeing in the workplace will increase positivity, productivity and return of investment. But what if you could deal with the issue before it enters the office?

That’s where we come in! alldayDr can offer you more than just a benefit. We are a leading tech and AI‌ enabled healthcare service that your staff can take anywhere with ease. We give your employees the opportunity to seek help and guidance from a qualified, highly skilled GP before they enter the workplace. With a doctor on hand, from anywhere in the world, at any time your staff are able to put their mental health in the hands of a professional without ever having to leave the house. GP appointments are available via video consultation; without waits, advice and support is always first class and our doctors are completely confidential. Think of how much this incredible tool could save your company while ensuring your staff are happy, healthy and mentally prepared to take on the working day! Support your staff this World Mental Health Day with the gift of alldayDr and increase productivity now!