To mark Time to Talk Day today (6 February), Mates in Mind has published a free guide to raise awareness about mental ill-health at work and help managers tackle the issue.
In 2019, 70% of managers reported barriers to mental health support within their workplace, while 62% revealed that they had faced situations where they put the interests of their organisation above the well-being of colleagues.
Mental health charity Mates in Mind has now produced 'Let's talk, let's act', a guide for managers to help them spot signs of mental illness, start vital but difficult conversations and tackle mental ill-health in the workplace.
Mates in Mind was set up by the Health in Construction Leadership Group and the British Safety Council. It is also supported by construction industry charities and bodies and has various Mates in Mind business champions, including Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, the Mineral Products Association and Tarmac. It also works alongside organisations from across the transport and logistics sector including Focus Group Logistics, Maersk UK and Ireland and the Port of London Authority.
James Rudoni, MD of Mates in Mind, said: “On Time to Talk Day, we urge managers across the UK to join us in starting the conversation about mental health. No matter where you are in your mental health journey Mates in Mind are here to help.
“We know that enabling people to open up a conversation about mental health, while providing them with the awareness and education to discuss the topic, continues to be the most immediate and effective starting point for improving mental health."
As part of its wider programme, the charity offer a range of tailored mental health awareness training courses, including a bespoke 'Manage the conversation' course to develop managers' skills and confidence in talking about the mental health of their workforce.