Workplace Wellbeing
The World Health Organisation states that decent work is good for mental health, so getting it right and moving towards a culture which proactively manages mental wellbeing is crucial for employers and employees alike. Benefits of mental wellbeing support in the workplace include:
- boosting staff confidence, sense of purpose and achievement
- encouraging inclusion and positive workplace relationships
- driving organisational growth and innovation
- retaining employees for a more productive, stable and committed workforce
- saving businesses money
All employers, regardless of size or industry, should adopt the Government’s Thriving at Work six recommended ‘mental health core standards’. These lay the basic foundations to an approach on what employers can do to better support all employees, including those with mental health problems, to remain in and thrive at work. These are designed to be implemented at little/no cost. They are:
- Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work plan
- Develop mental health awareness among employees;
- Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available when employees are struggling;
- Provide employees with good working conditions and ensure they have a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for development;
- Promote effective people management through line managers and supervisors;
- Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing.
Below are some examples of resources to help you get started:
Wellcome helps employers understand what the science says works for workplace mental health to help investment in evidence-based workplace interventions.
What Works Wellbeing offers evidence-based recommendations for employee wellbeing to employers, including a workplace wellbeing questionnaire template. Whilst the organisation no longer operates, their resources are still available.
Mind offer support for employees, employers and HR teams on ways to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace. If you are a small business read this toolkit. Locally, Solent Mind and Havant & East Hants Mind deliver paid-for training.
Mind’s Wellness Action Plans provide individual guides for employees (workplace, remote or hybrid working options available). They can aid line managers in supporting team members’ mental health.
Able Futures and Maximus help people aged 16+ manage their mental health at work. They can provide nine months free mental health specialist advice and guidance or work with employers to make adjustments to help employee mental health at work.
How to support mental health at work guide from the Mental Health Foundation provide tips to help employees look after their mental health at work.
Business in the Community has a Mental Health for Employers Toolkit, a Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Employers and a Postvention Toolkit for Employers.
CIPD wellbeing resources including a compassionate bereavement support guide and mental wellbeing at work factsheets.
Working Minds, by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), comprises a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.
For tips on how to plan for a healthy retirement visit Connect to Support Hampshire’s retirement planning tips. For pensions information MoneyHelper offers pensions and retirement guides and free online help.
See our information on bereavement and compassionate workplaces for employee and employer support and tools, or read about why and how we benefit from connecting to nature in the workplace.
Suicide Prevention and postvention in the workplace:
Every member of your organisation should undertake the 20-minute, free online Zero Suicide Alliance training. They offer tailored training for specific groups including: veterans, taxi drivers, prisons, probation staff, university students, and autism.
Hampshire suicide prevention and self harm employee guide with advice, guidance and signposting.
Havant and East Hants Mind currently delivers a programme of support across Hampshire for employers on suicide postvention and prevention in the workplace.
Any employees affected by suicide, recent or historic, can speak with Amparo bereavement by suicide support service in Hampshire.
For NHS workplaces NHS employee suicide: a postvention toolkit to help manage the impact and provide support.
Suicide postvention guidance from University of Surrey
Sector specific support:
This is not an exhaustive list. If you don’t find what you’re looking for we suggest searching online.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Wellbeing Hub mental wellbeing support, advice and guidance.
Blue Light Together provides wellbeing information for UK emergency services staff, volunteers, retirees and friends and family. It also has information on how to support others.
Lighthouse Club is a construction industry charity providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. 24/7 helpline 0345 605 1956 or download their App.
Hospitality Action offers a hub of wellbeing support and a 24/7 helpline 0808 802 0282. The Burnt Chef Project also offers support to the hospitality and leisure industry.
Ben offers support to those who work or have worked in the automotive industry. Call 08081 311 333 or chat online.
Mates in Mind works to address poor mental health in construction and related industries including transport, logistics, and manufacturing.
LawCare is a mental health charity for the legal sector. Call their helpline on 0800 279 6888 for free confidential emotional support.
The Bank Workers Charity support workers and their families’ wellbeing by providing information, guidance and financial support.
Education Support can help the mental wellbeing of teachers and education staff. Call 08000 562 561.
The Retail Trust is a charity supporting people who work in retail. Call their wellbeing helpline 0808 801 0808
Music Minds Matter helps to put positive mental wellbeing centre stage. Call 0808 802 8008 or explore their online resources.
List of mental health support organisations for the creative industries.
The Farming Community Network offer the Farming Help helpline 03000 111 999 7am to 11pm every day of the year. They can help with stress, depression, isolation, long term illness, accidents, substance misuse. They also run the Farm Well online hub.
Hampshire’s Rural Wellbeing and Farming Support Contacts Guide is a printable guide filled with useful contacts for rural wellbeing voluntary advice and support agencies, and regulatory bodies.