How can employers support employees with anxiety?

Mental health in the workplace

Mental health can impact a person in many different ways, shapes and forms with one in four people coming face to face with mental health problems in a given year according to the NHS; and 60% of employees already experiencing anxiety in the workplace.

Anxiety can control how we behave and feel, with symptoms including worrying uncontrollably, restlessness, tiredness, difficulty sleeping and lack of concentration. All of these symptoms can impact how an employee performs at work.

If employers are aware of these symptoms and how they can affect an employees performance, they can work together by managing them empathetically, effectively and fairly to help them reach their full potential.

How can an employer support an employee suffering from anxiety?

Creating a culture where employees feel supported with their mental health can decrease sickness days and staff turnover, as well as improve productivity. So, how can employers support employees suffering with anxiety?

• Promote open communication

Holding regular in-person or online meetings to address stress-inducing topics such as workload and expectations, and openly talking about mental health is vital.

• Take a look at what in your organisation could be causing unnecessary stress

Are there deadlines in place that perhaps don’t need to be so tight? Does the employee have the correct level of support in place? Is the workload manageable? What is the employee’s relationship like with other members of the team? Is the employee in control of what they are doing? Are the working conditions sufficient? Is the employee able to have a suitable work-life balance?

All of the above can be causes of stress and anxiety and once the questions are answered by the employer, there may be an easy fix.

• Rest breaks

Employers can’t monitor an employees every move, but it is important that employees are encouraged to take regular rest breaks. Rest breaks can assist in stress recovery, improving focus and energy then in turn, improving performance. Mistakes can happen if employees are not taking the required rest breaks.

If you have any questions about mental health at work or any other HR issues in your business, please get in touch with Amie Crowther-Bali or Hannah Riches.