Creative HEAD UK April 2020

SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 is coming. Are you doing all you can
to promote good mental health in your space?
Monday 18 May marks the beginning of Mental Health
Awareness Week 2020. It might not be something you’re
used to talking about, but it’s a good reminder of how
crucial – and in some cases life-saving – good mental
health care is. A guide to good mental health business
practices can be found at nhbf.co.uk/mental-health.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
A combination of anxiety and depression is the most
common mental health problem in Britain, says the
Mental Health Foundation. “Look out for warning signs
your employees may be experiencing mental health
issues,” says Hilary Hall, NHBF chief executive. “These
include being unable to concentrate, being irritable or
aggressive, being tired and tearful, avoiding social events
and being physically ill.”
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Hilary says: “You must treat employees with mental
health problems in the same way you treat others. The
only exceptions are if they ask for help or if there are
clear signs they need it.” As a business owner you have
a legal duty to protect your employees from stress at
work, and as part of this you should carry out a stress
risk assessment. NHBF members can access a free
24/7 legal helpline for support with this at nhbf.co.uk/
legal-advice. You can find support material and advice for
work stress at nhbf.co.uk/stressed-employee.
MAKE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY
There are a number of steps you can take to help ensure
the mental wellbeing of your employees, says Hilary.
“Raise awareness in the workplace, hold regular one-toone
meetings, offer flexible working and keep an eye out
for bullying and harassment signals.”
Most employees with mental health problems
can continue to work with the help of their coping
strategies. “Always fully support them,” advises Hilary,
“and if your employee does need to take sick leave, stay
in contact and keep them up-to-date. This will make it
easier for them to return when they are ready.”
FINALLY …
Don’t forget to look after yourself! The pressures of
running a business can be immense. If you feel you are
struggling, get professional help or advice from your GP.
NOT YET AN NHBF MEMBER?
FOR LESS THAN 80P A DAY,
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
●
Free health & safety advice
●
Free 24/7 legal and commercial
helplines
●
Membership helpline for
everyday business advice
●
Free employment and chair
renting contracts
You’ll wonder what you did
without them nhbf.co.uk/join
JOIN
THE NHBF
BEFORE THE END
OF APRIL 2020 AND
QUOTE CHA25 TO
GET £25 OFF YOUR
MEMBERSHIP
FEE
Discover how the NHBF can help you manage the pressures of running a business.
For more information call 01234 831 965 or visit nhbf.co.uk
Mister Quarterly 17