Employee mental health is the greatest concern for the majority of employers when asked about hybrid working.
This was the key finding from research conducted by Opinium, on behalf of Towergate Health & Protection, with 500 HR professionals from companies of all sizes across the UK.
Respondents were asked what they were most concerned about around employees that work remotely or in a hybrid pattern.
The majority 57 percent reported concerns about employee mental health and wellbeing, 49 percent pointed to staff physical health and wellbeing, 44 percent highlighted people’s financial health and wellbeing, and the same percentage, 44 percent, reported social wellbeing concerns.
Rising importance of support
The research also revealed that 60 percent of employers believe the importance of providing support for mental health has increased among their workforce.
David Williams, head of group risk for Towergate Health & Protection, said the research shows that the move to hybrid and remote working has had a big impact on the mental health of employees.
“While the taboo around mental health is dissipating, and the matter is moving up the corporate agenda, there is still more that can be done. Mental health support is vital in today’s working world and employers need to embrace the support available to keep their workforce healthy, happy, and productive.”
Spectrum of issues
The provider emphasised that mental health covers a wide spectrum of issues, from low mood and stress to severe depression and debilitating anxiety, which can lead to a crisis point. The underlying causes of poor mental health are equally widespread, including financial pressures, grief, work stress and physical ill-health.
There are an array of ways to provide mental health support with options embedded within health and wellbeing benefits. This means many employers may find that they already have support available, so it’s vital that they understand what there is and how best to access it, the provider said.
Health and wellbeing benefits, such as group income protection insurance and private medical insurance, often encompass a range of support for mental health. This may include an employee assistance programme or fast-track access to talking therapies or inpatient stays.
Free apps and portals aimed at helping employees to understand and manage their own mental health and build resilience may also be part of the offer.
Mental health training
The provider advocated mental health awareness courses for employees as a good way to educate the workforce in general and to help open up communication about mental health.
It is also possible to train mental health first-aiders, so that individuals in the workplace are able to spot the signs and respond to mental health needs, such as signposting to relevant support.
Williams added: “Whether provided through existing health and wellbeing support or as a standalone option, mental health support needs to be made easily available to all employees.
“Good mental health is the crux of all health and wellbeing and the positives to supporting it cannot be understated.”
