Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace and Job Market: A Reflection on World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day, the Ellwood Atfield team has reflected on our responsibility to raise awareness and provide support around mental health issues. We are acutely aware of the impact a challenging recruitment market can have on job seekers, especially as the competition for roles has intensified.

Britain's mental health has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with serious consequences for the health of our workforce and the nation’s economic output. According to the Mental Health Foundation, over 15% of the UK workforce is estimated to have a mental health condition. In 2022, mental health was the fifth most common reason for staff absences, with over 875,000 people reporting conditions such as anxiety or depression. With millions of working people awaiting treatment, it’s important to ask: what does a mentally healthy workplace look like, and what can employers do to mitigate the risks of poor mental health?

According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, nearly 90% of UK employees are disengaged from their jobs, with many “quiet quitting” or leaving loudly. While this is not always linked directly to mental health, there is often a correlation. The UK ranked 33rd in employee engagement across European countries, with 85% of respondents in the “quiet quitting” group citing culture, pay, benefits, well-being, and work-life balance as areas for improvement.

What Employers Can Do to Protect Mental Health

As employers, we have a duty to safeguard the mental health of our staff. Here are some steps companies can take to provide support:

1. Develop a clear employee communications programme that prioritises engagement and aligns with well-being/mental health initiatives (especially for medium-to-large organisations).
2. Create a supportive culture that enables staff to openly discuss mental health issues.
3. Implement preventative measures to safeguard mental health through a well-defined action plan.
4. Offer flexibility around working patterns and hybrid working where possible (clearly this is not possible for some - a store manager would struggle to run the shop floor from home).
5. Establish a clear return-to-work plan for those returning after periods of absence.
6. Train a mental health first aider to provide immediate support when needed.

Job Seekers: Maintaining Resilience in a Tough Market

Navigating a tough job market can be challenging, especially as AI-driven changes, economic uncertainty, and frequent restructuring slow decision-making processes. Amidst the chaos and hustle of job hunting, make sure you prioritise your self-care and well-being. Here are some other ideas to support your mental health during your search process:

1. Develop a routine that includes self-care, exercise, rest, and relaxation. A well-structured routine can provide stability and help alleviate stress.
2. Reach out for support by staying connected with friends, family, or support networks. Sharing your feelings and concerns with trusted individuals can provide emotional support and guidance.
3. Manage your expectations by setting realistic goals for your job search. Understand that the process may take time, and rejection is a normal part of the experience. Even in the best market, the very best candidates can find themselves out of work for reasonable lengths of time – it’s not personal and you must try not to let it knock your confidence.
4. Build your skills by enrolling in professional courses relevant to your career. This not only adds to your CV but also gives you a sense of control during the job search.
5. Have a plan: Don’t rely solely on applying to job advertisements or speaking to one recruitment firm. We all have individual client relationships, so broaden your search while staying connected to your key contacts, and make sure you keep track of where your CV is being sent. Make sure you’re also tapping into your network and try to be as proactive as possible with attending relevant networking events / webinars which offer opportunities to meet new contacts and keep knowledge current.
6. Seek guidance from recruiters or career counsellors who specialise in job search advice. They can provide personalised support to help you navigate the current market. As a candidate, you should never pay a recruitment consultant for their advice - career coaches are different.

If you need assistance with your job search, feel free to get in touch with our team. For helpful tips to support your search and boost your LinkedIn profile, check out Vicki Marinker’s free resources at Vicki Marinker's Free Resources.

Lastly, as proud long-term corporate supporters of The Listening Place, the team at EA takes mental health seriously. The Listening Place provides free, face-to-face support across London for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know could benefit from their services, please visit The Listening Place.

‍