According to findings by Mind, 14% of employees said they had resigned due to workplace stress.
Though the extremity may vary depending on the person, mental health is something we all have that can affect our actions, particularly in the workplace. Those with good mental health can usually manage their stress and fluctuating emotions throughout the day without further issues arising, like anxiety or depression. However, without proper support or resources, these mental health issues may escalate and affect their daily and working lives.
As an employer, your responsibility lies with your employees’ wellbeing. Without the right questions, you may not recognise that somebody is struggling, especially with insufficient care and training in place. It’s important to foster a supportive network and provide equipment that will be beneficial, as well as focus on ways to better support an employee’s mental health.
At CMD, we have conducted research into the matter, finding out what employees think about how their mental health needs are met, and ways in which the workplace can be adapted to address them.
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How can the workplace affect mental health?
As adults, we mostly spend our time at work during the week, which can play a crucial role in shaping our overall mood. Those having workplace issues that relate to job content may have their mood deteriorating and stress levels rising. At work, risks to mental health can include the following:
- Long, unsocial or inflexible hours
- Poor working conditions or desk set-up
- Limited support from line managers or colleagues
When asked, the majority of respondents stated that how their workplace is run is detrimental to mental health:
How important is the working environment to your mental health?
The graph above implies that, without proper care, a negative workplace can contribute to one’s poor mental health, leading to issues like stress, anxiety and depression. On the other hand, a positive and supportive workplace can promote and enhance wellbeing.
Which office features would help support mental health in the workplace?
Creating a workspace that supports mental health goes beyond just providing ergonomic office equipment. It involves designing an environment that encourages movement, offers flexibility, and fosters a sense of wellbeing.
When asked, the majority of respondents believe flexible working hours (22%) and quiet focus areas (16%) would positively impact their mental health during working hours:
Which office features would most positively impact your mental health at work?
Adding flexibility to the workplace is a great opportunity to give your employees the freedom to choose, helping them cope with a better work schedule. Without proper structure, there is the chance workers may feel a lack of control and a large workload that they cannot manage, potentially leading to overwhelming stress.
To combat this, you may want to consider implementing flexible working hours to address these mental health issues, in addition to the following ideas:
Sit-stand desks
Sit-stand desks have become increasingly popular in modern offices, and for a good reason. They offer employees the flexibility to switch between sitting and standing positions, which can reduce the physical strain associated with prolonged sitting.
NHS research has found that adults are advised to try to sit down less throughout the day to increase physical activity and health. Regular movement can also help reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase energy, making employees feel more engaged and focused.
Our top pick for a sit-stand workstation:
Shop the Active Sit Stand Workstation here.
With a push of a button, this sit-stand desk instantly converts any desk into a moveable workstation, allowing the user to alter the height to best meet their needs.
Supplying ergonomic office equipment is a great way to demonstrate commitment to prioritising employees’ overall health and mental wellbeing.
Browse our entire range of ergonomic equipment here.
Areas away from traditional desks
While traditional desk workspaces are still the norm in many offices, there is a growing recognition of the need for alternative work areas. These areas could include quiet zones for focused work, lounges for casual meetings, or creative spaces that encourage brainstorming and collaboration.
Working away from a desk can provide a mental break, reduce feelings of monotony, and stimulate creativity. It allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their current task or mood, enhancing productivity and reducing stress.
For these focus areas, power distribution equipment may be required to ensure connectivity, especially for multiple devices. Collaboration breakout spaces promote a more relaxed way of working. Consider implementing wireless charging and other workstation power devices.
Our top workstation power pick:
Shop the Lunar power module here.
This fixed in-desk power module offers various charging and connectivity options, including 2 UK sockets, and a dual USB type port with Type A and Type C.
The Lunar power module perfectly creates flexible areas away from the traditional desk for workers to alleviate stress and communicate with their colleagues and managers.
Browse our entire range of power module devices here.
Mental health training for employees
Mental health training is another crucial aspect of a supportive workplace.
When asked; 59% of respondents would like their employer to provide mental health (or duvet) days; 56% would want access to counselling or therapy services; and 49% would prefer regular mental health check-ins with a line manager or alternative representative.
What support or resources do you believe your employer should provide?
Once stigmatised, prioritising mental health has become increasingly more important, both in society and in the workplace. Training and providing services helps reduce the stigma surrounding these issues and relieve the pressure.
Employers can foster a culture of openness and understanding by providing regular training and resources related to mental health. This proactive approach benefits employees and contributes to a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
CMD Ltd is committed to promoting and managing high standards of corporate social responsibility, including engaging with employees and providing a strong sense of support and wellbeing. We also provide trained mental health colleagues and first aiders for our employees during working hours.
If you would like more information on our policies, or would like to know how we can help you, contact the CMD team today.
How do employees feel about flexible working arrangements?
Flexible working arrangements are increasingly seen as essential for supporting mental health in the workplace.
When asked, the majority of employees found these types of working conditions highly effective in managing their work stress:
How effective do you find flexible working arrangements in managing work-related stress?
Though arrangements such as flexitime, hybrid working and breakout spaces may seem perks of the job role, for some employees, they are vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Consider the following flexible working arrangements, engaging with your employees to find a solution ideal for their specific needs:
Adjustable hours
Allowing employees to start and finish work at times that suit their personal lives can reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and increase overall job satisfaction. For instance, parents may benefit from starting later to accommodate school drop-offs, while others may prefer to start and finish early for more of a social life after clock-off.
Working from home
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how we think about work, with remote work becoming more commonplace. Hybrid working can help employees manage personal responsibilities in addition to providing a quieter and comfortable atmosphere.
Employers who support remote working arrangements show trust in their employees and a commitment to their wellbeing. However, this may not be suitable for all working environments. It’s important to ensure that remote working does not lead to isolation or burnout, and that employees still feel connected and supported by their colleagues and managers.
If your employees work from home, ensure that they have a supportive and ergonomic working set-up by providing equipment that can be adapted to their surroundings. This includes monitor arms, cable management systems, and laptop stands.
Our recommended ergonomic bundle:
Shop the Vision H Ergonomic Workstation here.
This workstation combines integrated power and charging modules, as well as ergonomic support. The Vision H range includes a single monitor arm, dual monitor arm, laptop support, and optional charging sockets.
How can CMD help?
CMD Ltd offers a range of solutions designed to support mental health in the workplace. From ergonomic products, like sit-stand desks, to innovative office designs that include maintaining power and connectivity in breakout spaces and quiet zones, CMD helps employers create environments that foster wellbeing.
We understand that each organisation is unique, and our tailored approach ensures that our client’s specific needs are met.
For more information, contact our team today to discuss how our products can benefit your workplace.
