How are your tech team doing? No, really?

Often those struggling with a mental health condition don’t know how to take the first steps to seek help or guidance. Taking the first steps can often be the most difficult, and daunting. A variety of factors can contribute towards a person developing a mental health disorder, however, most people are in fact not aware that they are suffering at all. One of the most common factors affecting someone's mental wellbeing is the workplace. The working environment and its conditions can have a huge impact on someone's mental health. Equally, mental wellbeing, either positive or negative, can have a great impact on an employee's ability to perform well at work. One-fifth of days that are lost from work is due to a mixture of anxiety and depression related issues. Women who are employed on a full-time basis are also twice as likely to report with a mental health concern, as opposed to men. Together we can combat mental health and provide better support in the workplace. Businesses can save up to £8billion per year by doing so. A staggering 56% of employers have also stated that they’d like to do more in the working environment to support employees' mental wellbeing but aren’t aware of the correct resources, or have the relevant training required.

Mind has put together five simple steps to aid in making the workplace mentally healthier:

• Connect \- Try speaking to colleagues and employees in person rather than sending out an email
• Be active \- Encourage employees to take the stairs instead of the lift, suggest they use their time wisely on lunch breaks (maybe take a walk with a colleague so they can really ‘connect’)
• Take notice - Take time to enjoy the environment around you and most importantly take note of how your colleagues are acting or feeling
• Learn - Set a goal of learning something new every day, research something you’ve always wanted to know, or set up a club with your colleagues and really get to know one another. Having a great culture can really benefit the mental wellbeing of employees
• Give - Carry out an act of kindness (it has been noted that carrying out an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period has been associated with increased wellbeing) If you require help and support relative to your mental wellbeing or the wellbeing of your employees, you can seek guidance from the below:
• Mental Health UK
• The Calm Zone
• Mind