The push for improved mental health support in workplaces is gaining momentum.
- World Mental Health Day calls for a focus on mental health in the workplace this year.
- Christine Husbands from RedArc urges employers to reassess mental health support quality.
- Specialised mental health care is vital for meeting diverse employee needs, according to experts.
- Tailored, professional mental health services ensure timely and effective employee support.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the call for enhanced mental health support within workplace settings is becoming increasingly prominent. This year’s theme emphasises prioritising mental health, highlighting a vital area often under-addressed in business environments.
Christine Husbands, a commercial director from RedArc, is advising employers to critically assess the quality of their mental health support systems. Despite many UK employers having some form of support in place, it is imperative that this support is of the highest calibre, accessible, and provided by qualified mental health professionals.
Husbands points out that some mental health services available to organisations are merely ‘light touch’ and may not suffice for all employees. She stresses the importance of ensuring that support can accommodate the needs of individuals with complex conditions and is delivered without time constraints.
The importance of prevention in mental health support is underscored by RedArc, who stress that effective mental health provision should be proactive, addressing potential issues before they escalate. Tailoring support to reach all members of staff, including those who are typically less engaged with standard employee benefits, is crucial.
Timely access to mental health care is critical. Long waiting periods and inefficient triage processes can exacerbate an employee’s condition, highlighting the need for prompt and professional intervention.
Furthermore, Husbands stresses that employing mental health specialists is key to providing adequate support. These professionals can deliver tailored support, recommend appropriate additional therapies, and track progress using specific mental health metrics.
Ultimately, she advises that employers undertake thorough due diligence when selecting mental health providers to ensure that the support suffices for all employees’ needs.
Employers must prioritise tailored mental health support delivered by specialists to ensure comprehensive employee care.
