Background
Mental Health has gained significant momentum in the past few years. This has been partly due to the onset of the pandemic which has brought the issue to centre stage. Not only did it amplify for people who are already struggling with certain conditions but there has also been a vast increase in issues among people who have not previously identified as having any mental health condition. The impact and experience that we have all faced over the past three years has been different for everyone, as well as how we as individuals and collectively have reacted and adapted, but there is no doubt that it’s been a really challenging time for us all.
With working from home becoming the ‘norm’ for many organisations who are morphing towards a hybrid approach, as well as changes in societal attitudes towards mental health, it is a new era for mental health where organisations are embracing the idea of addressing mental health issues at work. Just as we are aware of our physical health, our Mental Health Awareness is just as important. As many of us spend a large proportion of our days in work and with 1 in 4 people experiencing poor mental health each year, employers have even more of a duty to ensure their employees are supported in their wellbeing and mental health. Generation Z are set to make up 27% of the workforce by 2025 and are said to be the most populous and diverse generation who value flexible working, shared values, higher pay and increased support in mental health. Therefore, organisational leaders must future proof their organisations to ensure that these workers are well equipped to manage their mental wellbeing as well as providing the right support to promote a culture of positive wellbeing in the workplace.
The Solution
This case study looks at recent examples of how Gravitate HR has worked with clients to provide a tailored Mental Health Awareness session which met the needs of the particular client taking into account the sector in which they operated as well as any specific topics that were relevant to them.
The overall objective of these sessions was not to make participants Mental Health experts, nor was it designed for participants to treat and diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, the objective was to make participants more aware of their own mental health and of those around them as well as providing practical suggestions and relevant support materials to begin that initial conversation and be comfortable and confident in doing so.
The course content varied depending on the individual client’s need, however core content included:
- What is mental health;
- Why is it important;
- Causes of poor mental health;
- Indicators of poor mental health;
- Potential triggers;
- Coping Mechanisms; and
- Additional Support.
As we discussed each of our client’s individual needs before designing the sessions, we were able to identify any additional themes that they may wish to cover as well as the core content. For example, for some of our clients this included topics such as Stress, Menopause, Stigma, Wellbeing Conversations and the Role of the Line Manager in Managing Mental Ill-Health. This enabled Gravitate HR to deliver unique sessions which met and suited the needs of our diverse client base.
Results and Future Bookings
With each session being completed, our clients were delivered with a session that enabled them to think differently about mental health and to have the confidence in starting that initial conversation.
Initial feedback from these sessions have been extremely positive and we continue to create and deliver Mental Health Awareness Session’s to a range of organisations across Scotland.
If you are considering introducing Mental Health Awareness training or even refresher Mental Health Awareness training to your own organisation, please contact Paula Green via email (paula@gravitatehr.co.uk) or on 0141 459 7458.
