An increasing number of children in the UK are being referred for emergency mental health care, rising by 53% in the last year.
- Parental anxiety over children’s mental health is significantly impacting their wellbeing and productivity.
- Nuffield Health’s survey reveals mental health as a leading concern for parents with children under 18.
- Employers are encouraged to establish ‘parental pillars’ to support employees dealing with personal challenges.
- Many working parents believe employers have a responsibility to support their mental health.
The United Kingdom is witnessing a significant rise in children being referred to emergency mental health care, with a reported increase of 53% over the past year. This alarming trend is understandably causing heightened anxiety among parents, leading to a focus on the importance of providing adequate support systems in the workplace.
The Nuffield Health’s Healthier Nation Index highlights that mental health remains a pressing concern for parents, particularly those with children under 18. This concern not only affects parents’ personal health but also their professional productivity, as they often face anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, and reduced focus due to worries about their children.
In light of these issues, businesses are urged to implement ‘parental pillars’ — a support framework for employees with children facing mental health challenges. Such initiatives may include providing access to mental health resources such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and employee assistance programmes. These resources aim to enhance employees’ ability to manage personal difficulties that may otherwise hinder work performance.
Additionally, there is a call to promote further education for parents, equipping them with necessary skills to support their children’s mental health effectively. Online platforms offering digital health and wellbeing advice serve as valuable tools for employees, allowing them to access information at their convenience. Employers are encouraged to facilitate these learning opportunities as part of their support for employee wellbeing.
Creating an environment that encourages healthy conversations about mental health is crucial. Many employees remain hesitant to discuss personal mental health issues due to fear of stigma or judgement. Regular one-on-one or group discussions can foster a supportive atmosphere, allowing employees to share experiences and seek advice without fear.
Flexibility in work arrangements is another component of ‘parental pillars.’ By allowing flexible working hours or adjustments to workloads, employers can help parents better manage their professional and personal responsibilities. This, in turn, contributes to lower stress levels and improves overall wellbeing.
A significant proportion of working parents, about 69%, agree that it is in the interest of employers to support employee health and wellbeing. Furthermore, 67% believe that employers have a responsibility towards their employees’ health. This underscores the importance of adopting supportive measures within the workplace.
Employers play a crucial role in supporting mental health by establishing supportive workplace practices for parents.
