Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Some of the things that help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace, like allowing adequate breaks and keeping an eye on staff workloads, are obvious to most and should be on any manager's watch list. But beyond that, what works and what doesn't? What about accommodating staff who have a disability relating to a mental illness? How should managers and work colleagues behave towards staff members who have become ill? What about customers who have mental health needs?

Support for employers

Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW), part of the Centre for Healthy Working Lives, employs a network of local advisors across Scotland. They are available to advise employers and managers on all aspects of workplace health, including around issues of mental health. They can source training and provide resources that help managers develop better policies and practices. To find details of your local advisor, contact Healthy Working Lives.

Training

Mental Health in the Workplace (MHiW) is a two-day training course for line managers and employers. As well as raising awareness of mental heath issues, the course covers relevant aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA):
Since October 2004, the DDA has covered all employees with a disability, including any disability relating to mental health problems, regardless of the size of the company. The Act covers…
moreDisability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Health and Safety Guidelines. It also helps managers to develop skills, policies and protocols that promote mental wellbeing and support the mental health of all staff.

After a well-received pilot, work is now underway to consider how best to bring the training to a wider audience. For further information, contact Healthy Working Lives.

Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) Award Scheme

Scotland's Health at Work Awards recognise the achievements of workplaces that are striving to become better, healthier environments for their staff. Every business is different and so attempting a SHAW award is an active process. Local SHAW staff work with employers to make the specific plans and changes needed for each workplace.

There are three levels of general award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Silver award includes an option to act on mental health and/or stress while for a Gold award it's mandatory.

Meanwhile, SHAW's Commendation Award for Mental Health recognises excellence in creating workplaces that promote the mental health of all employees and that show awareness of the mental health needs of customers.

For more details the awards, contact Healthy Working Lives or visit the Healthy Working Lives website.