Individual level
Providing information and raising awareness on mental
wellbeing
You can encourage employees to make changes to their lifestyle
and look after their mental wellbeing by simply making them aware
of the benefits they will experience and the impact small changes
can make.
Information about the importance of mental wellbeing
Providing lots of information, ideas and tips will encourage
employees to think about mental wellbeing. Here are some
ideas:
- Booklets and leaflets
- Posters
- Tips and messages
- Screensavers
- World Mental Health Day
- Accessible information about local and national help
agencies
- Knowledge and awareness of personal support services provided
by the organisation
For more information go to the mental
wellbeing resources section.
Mental health awareness training
Providing mental health awareness training for all employees
will help them to understand more about ways they can look after
their own and others' mental wellbeing, tackle the widespread
stigma and discrimination towards mental illness, and help them to
spot early signs of problems in themselves or colleagues.
To be effective, training needs to be simple and jargon-free,
and should focus on what to do rather than providing details about
mental illness. The training will benefit employees and the
organisation as a whole. Options include:
- Awareness-raising seminars for all employees
- Half-day training for managers and supervisors
- Full-day training for key personnel
- Team training for both managers and staff
Finding trainers to provide the expertise
You could try the following:
- Your local Primary Care Trust
- A local mental health charity;
Samaritans, Kipepeo and In Equilibrium all provide mental health
and stress training in the workplace
- Contact Mindful
Employer
Providing opportunities for employees to look after their
mental wellbeing
There are a number of ways you can help people look after their
mental wellbeing, both at work and outside work.
Promoting physical activity as part of
on your mental wellbeing programme is a good start. This could
include stress-buster sessions such as pilates, reiki, reflexology,
massage, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and aikido. 
You could also signpost employees to local classes and
facilities including leisure facilities, alternative therapy
sessions such as massage, reflexology and relaxation classes.
Organising social events is a great way to kick-start you
wellbeing programme and create team spirit. Why not set up any of
the following:
- quiz nights
- ten-pin bowling
- ice-skating
- barbecues, picnic and dinners
- activity weekends
- Workshops on situations that commonly cause stress
For more information
To find out more about providing opportunities download
our Health
at Work Mental wellbeing fact sheets.