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Here are key documents and resources useful to a mental health strategy for business
Key Reports and Guidance:
Thriving at Work: The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers: This independent review provides a comprehensive analysis of mental health in the workplace, outlines the business case for action, and sets out mental health core standards that all employers should implement, as well as more ambitious enhanced standards for larger organisations. It offers recommendations for employers, the public sector, and the government. This is a foundational document for understanding the importance of workplace mental health and practical steps to take.
Staying healthy and being happy at work: A report about mental health and employers (Easy Read): This is an accessible version of the Stevenson/Farmer review, making the key findings and core standards easier to understand and communicate within the workplace.
HSE Guidance and Tools: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers practical tips and helpful strategies for managing work-related stress and protecting workers’ health. Key HSE resources include:
Talking Toolkit: Developed as part of the Go Home Healthy campaign, this toolkit helps frame conversations about work-related stress and mental health. It can be used for smaller organisations to talk to staff, and in larger organisations for team meetings, individual risk assessments, and return to work interviews.
Posters: HSE has developed posters to raise awareness of stress and its causes in the workplace.
Management Standards approach and workbook: A process to help larger organisations conduct a risk assessment, identify potential stressors (demands, control, relationships, support, role, and change), and develop solutions. The step-by-step workbook provides further guidance.
Updated first aid guidance (November 2018): This guidance advises companies to think of ‘ways to manage mental ill health in your workplace which are appropriate for your business’.
Mental Health at Work Commitment and Related Resources:
The Mental Health at Work Commitment: This framework, based on the Thriving at Work standards, helps organisations implement best practices for supporting mental health. It includes six standards that provide a roadmap for better mental health outcomes. Signing the commitment publicly declares that mental health at work is a priority.
The 6 standards | Mental Health at Work Commitment Mind: This resource details the six standards of the commitment, outlining specific actions for each standard to help organisations create an environment where employees can thrive.
The Mental Health at Work Interactive Guide: This guide helps organisations that have signed the commitment identify suitable, quality-assured resources based on their size and journey stage.
Case studies: Examples of good workplace wellbeing practice from organisations that have signed the commitment.
Toolkits: Additional advice, support, and resources to help implement the commitment.
Business in the Community (BITC) Mental Health Toolkit: A helpful guide for formulating a mental health plan with links to useful resources and case studies.
BITC Wellbeing Toolkit: Offers resources for upskilling in ‘at risk’ areas of health and wellbeing during COVID-19, and the COVID-19 Wellbeing Toolkit for a holistic approach to physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.
BITC/Public Health England Mental Health Toolkit: Contains guidance on handling sensitive conversations.
The Mental Health at Work Commitment for Employers, through a COVID-19 lens: Updates the six commitment actions considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organisational Resources and Support:
Mind: Offers a wide range of information and support on mental health, including specific resources for the workplace, toolkits, training courses, eLearning, and consultancy. Their website (www.mind.org.uk/workplace/) is a key resource. They also provide information on Wellness Action Plans.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England: Provides training to raise awareness of mental health conditions and gives a better understanding of where to find information and professional support. They also offer a ‘Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit’ and various online resources and workplace training courses.
Time to Change: A campaign working to reduce stigma around mental health, offering guidance and free resources on creating a workplace mental health plan and other ideas for workplaces (England: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/; Wales: http://www. timetochangewales.org.uk/en/).
Rethink Mental Illness: Publishes a range of mental health factsheets (https:// www.rethink.org/news-views/2016/1/8-ways-to-start-your-conversation).
ACAS: Provides a range of guidance and practical training courses for managers, supervisors, and HR professionals (http://www.acas.org.uk/index. aspx?articleid=2002).
Institute of Directors (IoD): Has produced a mental health hub of advice, best practice, and resources to help small and medium-sized businesses (https://www.iod.com/news-campaigns/mental-health).
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): Has developed ‘Wellbeing in Small Business: a short guide’ and an online portal of guidance for small businesses and the self-employed (https://www.fsb.org.uk/ standing-up-for-you/our-campaigns/ wellbeing-hub/wellbeing-in-small-business-hub).
Healthy Working Wales: Provides support around health and safety, sickness absence, and workplace approach to managing health and wellbeing (www.healthyworkingwales.wales.nhs.uk/ about-hww).
Resources for Specific Issues:
Information on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be found through general mental health resources like Mind and NHS websites.
Guidance on offering workplace adjustments for employees with mental health problems is discussed in Annex B of the Stevenson/Farmer review.
By utilising these key documents and resources, businesses can develop a comprehensive and effective mental health strategy to protect and support their employees. Remember to tailor the approach to the specific needs and size of your organisation.
